about
About rock island caboose
Did You Know?
- "The Rock" served 14 states with nearly 8,000 miles of main track.
- The essence of the Rock Island Railroad was captured in the famous opening number of “The Music Man” and in 1957’s “Rock Island Line” by Johnny Cash.
- In 1963, the railroad had nearly 27,000 freight cars and 650 passenger cars.
- The RTA purchased the Rock's commuter assets in 1982.
- The Rock Island Railroad is gone, but the original route between Chicago and Joliet retains the Rock Island name as Metra’s Rock Island Line.
timeline
A Brief History of the Rock Island Railroad and Caboose.
Rock Island Timeline:
The Beginning
The Rock Island Railroad was born one evening as a group of businessmen planned a railroad of 75 miles to link Rock Island, Illinois (across the Mississippi River from Davenport, Iowa) with LaSalle, Illinois.
Incorporation
The Rock Island & La Salle Rail Road Company was officially incorporated.
Funding
$300,000 of funding was secured to begin construction. Ownership group decides to extend line into Chicago, renames company to the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad (C&RI).
Construction
Construction on the railroad begins.
Joining Cities
First segment between Chicago and Joliet completed.
Wheels Are Turning
Rail service opened to Rock Island.
Over the Mississippi
Mississippi River was bridged and direct service into Davenport, Iowa opened.
State to State
Route between Little Rock, Arkansas and Eunice, Louisiana created.
Birth of Caboose 17883
Rock Island Caboose 17883 was built.
Enter Union Pacific
Union Pacific acquires the Rock.
Closing Time
The Rock Island railroad closed for good.
Finding a New Home
Caboose 17883 was purchased for $1,500 and moved 20 miles to just outside Little Rock.
Giving New Life to #17883
Renovation and restoration on the caboose begins.
The Present
The Rock Island Caboose opens for business.