Built in 1909, the Lehigh & Hudson River Caboose is a small four-wheeler that repair crews used as a “home away from home” while they were plowing snow, laying railroad tracks, repairing derailments or servicing railroad equipment.

Grinnell Burt and a group of local businessmen established the Warwick Valley Railroad in 1862. The train station on Railroad Avenue in Warwick became an important commercial hub for the village.

Lake Depot in the early 1900s.

Railroad Station at the corner of what is now Bank Street & South Street.

Looking across what is now Railroad Green.

Artist rendering of the early life of the train station on Railroad Ave. across from what is now the Demerest Building and Grappa restaurant.

In the early years, the railroad transported passengers and dairy products from the Warwick Valley to New York City via the Hudson River Bridge in Poughkeepsie. Railroad passenger service made Warwick a popular destination for tourists who stayed at the Red Swan Inn where the Warwick Country Club is now located.

Lake Depot in the early 1900s.

Postcard from the Red Swan Inn.

Toward the end of the 19th century, the Warwick Valley Railroad was reorganized as the Lehigh & Hudson River Railroad and was the largest employer in the town of Warwick for many years. The railroad was very busy, especially during World War I and World War II. In war time, iron ore that was mined around the area was transported by railway cars.

Today, the caboose remains a highlight of the Historical Society’s 4th Grade Tours which are conducted every June by our Education committee.