History- Caboose #33

Also at the site is a relocated Flag Station and Railroad Caboose shown below. This is the original narrow gauge railroad Caboose #33 of the Bellaire, Zanesville, and Cincinnati (or Bent, Zigzag and Crooked as it was called), which ran throught here from 1879 until 1931. Part of the road bed is still visible.

The Bellaire, Zanesville, and Cincinnati Railroad ran from Bellaire, Ohio to Zanesville via Woodsfield, Caldwell and Cambridge. The last spike to connect the east and west section was driven in Caldwell in 1883. The B.Z. & C. or better known as the Bent, Zigzag, and Crooked had its last run in 1931. Its track was narrow gauge or only 36 inches wide. This was to better traverse the hilly region of Southeast Ohio. Caboose #33 was built in 1917 for the sum of $1.054.03. It is 24 feet long and 9 feet 4 1/2 inches high.

The flag station sitting at the site is typical of many sitting along the way. A red flag was hung on the side of the building to signal the train to stop for passengers or freight. The unique part of the building is the detailing on the gable ends. A water tower was also found along the track to supply water necessary for the steam engines that pulled the trains.

This caboose has been a barber shop, gas station, home and storage shed before being donated to the Noble County Historical Society by Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lowman.

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