Located in north central Colorado at the headwaters of the North Platte River is the small town of Walden Colorado. Walden is located in a large open valley called North Park and in the past this area was a favorite hunting ground for the Ute. Walden is also the home of the nation’s 1990 Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. This Union Pacific Caboose can be found heading south out of Walden. The origin of the word caboose is said to be a derivation of the Dutch word “Kombuis” which referred to a ships galley. The first use of a caboose was in the 1830’s when the trainmen lived in shanties that were built on flatcars. The cupola was added in1863 in order for the trainman and conductor to have a better view of the train as they watched for signs of trouble that could occur. |
