The last car on a freight train was known as the caboose. This car served a number of functions. Furnished with bunks, chairs, toilet, sink, stove, and storage space, it was the “home” for the train’s crew. In addition, it was a storehouse for provisions, spare parts, first aid kits, lanterns, and a shop.
The term caboose came into English from nautical terminology. Caboose appears in English in 1747 and refers to “a ship’s cookhouse.” With regard to etymology, it is from the Middle Dutch kambuis meaning “ship’s galley.” Caboose became a part of railroad terminology by 1859.
Shown below are some museum exhibits of the caboose.
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