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HILL CITY,S.D. (KOTA TV) Caboose number 1208, a historic part of railroads in the state, took a two-day ride from Huron to the South Dakota State Railroad Museum in Hill City.

"The caboose operated in Watertown, Aberdeen and other areas and then later on it came to Huron as part of the Chicago North Western system,” said Museum Director Rick Mills.

The wooden caboose was bought by the museum from a family in Huron. It's been in their backyard since 1972.

"They thought it was something that they needed to preserve in their family, and just preserve for history's sake. "

The museum plans to use the caboose in a display on the inside of the museum so kids of all ages can learn about the importance of rail travel and history.

"It's really a great technology that was introduced in railroading just after the civil war and went into the 1980's, "said Mills.

There are also numerous historic railroad items that have come with the caboose.

"We have things from engineers, we have things from depots that are part of this collection and we're going to interpret things not only in this caboose but also in other areas of our museum. "

Before it goes on display, it will be fitted with new wheel sets, get a paint job and then placed on a track inside the museum.

"In October we're going to have an open house for not only the family, but that donated this from Huron, but also donors and other folks here in the hills."

Mills says the museum is lucky to get the caboose.

"It really is a unique piece. There are only two like this in the country. "

The caboose exhibit will be open to the public in May of next year. Families will be able to do a walkthrough of the caboose and learn about historic artifacts.