Southern Pacific Caboose - Pearland, TX
Posted by: 
jhuoni
N 29° 33.047 W 095° 15.387
15R E 281367 N 3271133
Located behind the relocated and preserved Pearland railroad depot.
Waymark Code: WMWCWH
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 08/15/2017
Views: 2
This "bay window caboose" (Yes, I had to look it up) appears to be well cared for.
The addition of the "Don't Mess With Texas" sticker adds to the irony that this is a Southern Pacific caboose parked behind a Santa Fe depot.
A Texas Historical Marker in front of the depot give this insight:
The Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad built a siding switch called "Mark Belt" near here in 1883 as part of its Houston to Alvin branch rail line. In 1893 William Zychlinski purchased 2560 acres in this area which he subdivided and platted in 1894. Included in Zychlinski's subdivision was the 273-acre townsite of Pearland.
S. M. Christensen, president of the Southern Homestead Company, contracted to develop the townsite. As part of a plan to attract settlers to the townsite Christensen planted numerous pear and other fruit trees.
In 1900 the Santa Fe Railroad built a depot nearby which soon became a gathering place for settlers to meet visitors and pick up mail and supplies. Locally produced cotton, hay, cattle, fruit and vegetables were shipped to market by railroad from the depot.
Pearland's development, delayed by the devastating storm of 1900, surged about 1910 as the Allison-Richey Suburban Gardens Co. successfully promoted the area as an agricultural wonderland with vital railroad access.
Oil production, cattle ranching, and hay, rice, and fig farming sustained Pearland's growth. The railroad's importance diminished and in 1972 the depot closed. It was donated to the city and moved here through the efforts of many citizens and organizations.
Current Use:
Static Display
Type Of Caboose: Bay Window
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Visit Instructions:
Please visit the location of the caboose, brake van, or guard van, provide visit details through photo or narrative.