St Clair Station / Watson Boxcar

Originally the station building for St Clair, the Watson boxcar is a surviving example of an early 3' narrow gauge boxcar.

About the Watson Boxcar

St Clair Station (Mile Post 90.8) was an original 1883 Flag Stop for the St Clair farm community. It had a 7 car 500' siding for wagon offloading, a milk platform built in 1912, and a decommissioned narrow-gauge boxcar installed in 1902 to serve as a freight and passenger station.

The original St Clair Station Boxcar gets its second name as the "Watson Boxcar" from the family farm that it was relocated to serve as a farm shed after railroad days. The Watson Boxcar survives to this day moved to the Dana and Janet Watson Farm.

Caboose 33 exterior

Ed Cass, author of "Hidden Treasures", with the Watson Boxcar in 2006.

Current Condition

Thanks to a corrugated steel roof and siding, this boxcar has surpassed over 120 years of age. The Friends are taking the initial steps to stabilize the car from any further deterioration before being relocated for additional preservation efforts.

Photo Gallery

Preservation Goals

Our long‑term goal is to relocate the car to be preserved further. After preservation, the car will be displayed to help tell the story of the Ohio River and Western.

How You Can Help

Your support helps us preserve this rare piece of OR&W history for future generations.

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