Rock Island Caboose Park 17725
On Thursday, February 5th, 1976, Choctaw welcomed its iconic Rock Island Caboose, marking a significant milestone in the community's history. As a component of the Bicentennial Project, the Choctaw community chose to create a Bicentennial Caboose Museum. To make this vision a reality, the community rallied together, raising funds to purchase the caboose from the Rock Island Railroad Company.
Securing the caboose wasn't without its challenges. With nearly 100 other businesses and communities vying for similar acquisitions, there were concerns about meeting the project deadline for completion by July 4th, 1976. However, through a phone campaign led by dedicated individuals like Postmistress Evelyn Parker and US Representative Tom Steed, Choctaw successfully secured the caboose in time for the Bicentennial celebration.
Initially serving as the city's museum, the caboose became a repository for community memories, with residents donating items to fill its walls. Over the years, however, its role evolved. While it may no longer function as a museum, the caboose has become a beloved landmark in the City of Choctaw, welcoming both citizens and visitors to our business district.
As the years have passed, the caboose stands as a symbol of Choctaw's rich history and enduring spirit. In 2026, the community will proudly celebrate the caboose's 50th anniversary, commemorating its half-century presence in the heart of Choctaw.
In 2022, the park surrounding the caboose underwent landscaping renovations, courtesy of the Parks and Public Spaces Initiative grant program by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Today, it serves as a picnic spot for our community and vendors frequently set up shop near the caboose, offering a variety of goods including plants and honey. Moreover, the caboose has become one of the city's prime locations for photoshoots, boasting an Instagram-worthy backdrop.