All Aboard! Del Ray Rallies to Save Its Century-Old Caboose
Community preservationists launch an ambitious effort to rescue a beloved landmark for future generations.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — It hasn’t moved an inch in 50 years. Yet Del Ray’s historic red caboose faces its biggest journey today.
Built in 1919, the railcar sits beside Mount Vernon Community School on Commonwealth Avenue. Now, rust, rotten railroad ties, and weather damage threaten its future.
Community leaders have launched a major campaign to save it. The restoration will cost over $100,000.
“It’s a little over 100 years old,” said organizer Evan Wilson. “Anything sitting outside this long needs a major overhaul.”
A Century of History Worth Saving
The railcar arrived from Roanoke around 1974. The school PTA trucked it in and craned it onto the grounds.
It quickly became a Del Ray fixture. Owned by Alexandria City Public Schools, it served as an outdoor classroom for generations of kids.
Students Now Teens Hold Vivid Memories
Students held activities inside. Trick-or-treaters flocked to it every Halloween. Remarkably, the original brake gear, knobs, and dials survive today.
During a recent festival, one local student stepped aboard with wide eyes.
“I’ve waited my whole life to see inside,” he said.
That neighborhood pride drives the rescue mission.
A Hefty Price Tag
This job requires far more than fresh paint. Rust pits the roof. Water rots the timber supports beneath the chassis.
Workers must strip lead paint, weld vintage metal, and reinforce the foundation. The team may even need to haul the train off-site for repairs.
A Newly Formed Nonprofit Is Now On Board
A new nonprofit board now leads the charge. It unites school advocates, Del Ray civic leaders, and longtime Del Ray neighborhood champion Pat Miller.
The group is chasing historic preservation grants, skilled trade help, and community donations.
A New Destiny
Volunteers want a safe, modern community space that still honors railroad history.
Plans include full accessibility and climate control. The school, local recreation center, and Duncan Library can all hold programming inside.
“We want it to be historically accurate, but comfortable,” Wilson said.
Currently, the caboose features Halloween decorations, though access remains limited to supervised functions.
After 100 years, Del Ray’s favorite train car faces its final test. Neighbors must rally to keep this history on track.
To read more about the history of the Caboose, donate or volunteer, visit: https://caboosefund.org/
