Sparta is gifted a caboose

The city of Sparta has a new attraction downtown after Robert Agee donated a caboose to the city.

According to Sparta’s mayor, Jeff Young, the city discussed several locations as a home for their newly acquired train car before ultimately settling on a spot next to the walking trail that circles the city cemetery.

“After many months of deliberation and discussion, we decided that this location would provide the best visibility, easier ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] access, and would also be the most convenient place for people to enjoy multiple attractions like the historic Sparta cemetery, the walking bridge and trail system and the South Carter Street Park and kayak launch dock,” Young explained.

While there is no historical significance to the exact train caboose that was donated, the rail system was, at one time, an important part of the growth and development of White County, and that is what city officials hope to highlight, bringing a sense of pride to the people who have seen the area grow from the coal mining days to the buzzing community it has become.

“We hope that it will inspire locals and tourists alike to stop in and visit our downtown area and read the plaques that will be installed there at the caboose and understand the importance of the rail system during the growth and development of communities just like Sparta all across the country,” Young said.

While the caboose was donated to the city earlier this year, there have been questions about the logistics of getting the caboose from where it was located at the old depot, on Depot Street, to the city cemetery, on South Church Street. However, after a couple of false-starts and some negotiating, the caboose was moved, on Oct. 20, 2020.

“There are not expected to be any out-of-pocket expenses to the city for moving the caboose,” city administrator Brad Hennessee said.

Hennessee said the city incurred some damage earlier this year to trees and utility poles caused by the same company that was eventually selected to move the train car and indicated that the company was indebted to the city for costs that were similar to the cost of moving the caboose.

“Also, I have spoken to the police chief about providing extra night-time patrols for the train car to prevent vagrancy and vandalism,” Hennessee said in response to questions about what steps the city would be taking to protect the caboose.

According to Young, the city plans to begin a restoration project in the spring of 2021, with the assistance of volunteers, and he hopes that local train enthusiasts will join in the efforts.

“Our hope and desire is that the train caboose will enhance the existing park and trail system and be a wonderful new attraction for the soon-to-be new trailhead parking area located beside the caboose and cemetery,” Young explained. “Hopefully this will be a great addition to the downtown.”