A historic Frisco caboose that stood in Ozark’s Finley River Park since 1983 was relocated to a new site near the Chadwick Flyer Trailhead at the Ozark Community Center, preserving a longtime landmark and piece of the city's railroad history.
Community members were invited to watch the caboose arrive at The OC, according to a community announcement. The caboose was transported from Finley River Park in two sections and was expected to be in place by mid-afternoon on Aug. 24.
The new location intends to protect the rail car after years of flooding damaged the foundation beneath it and raised concerns about long-term preservation, according to the announcement.
Landmark traveled across Ozark
The relocation began in the morning, with crews transporting the caboose from Finley River
Park to the Ozark Community Center. Ozark police officers accompanied the move to assist with traffic control and help maintain safety along the route.
Caboose tied to local railroad history
Burlington Northern donated the red caboose to the city in 1983. Since then, it had been a recognizable feature of Finley River Park and a reminder of the community’s rail heritage.
Its new location reflects that history. The caboose commemorates the former Frisco railroad track bed that once ran through the area near the community center as part of the Chadwick Branch, which served Christian County. Today, that legacy lives on through the Chadwick Flyer Trail.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozark's Historic Frisco caboose moved to new location
