Old Cabbage Head
Updated: Feb 3
Built in 1913 by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, PA, “Old Cabbage Head” gets its name from the shape of its smoke stack.
Because it had a wood burning boiler, the balloon shaped smoke stack was needed to catch burning embers that flew out of the engine. The train was built for Taylor County Lumber Company in North Florida and used for hauling timber. It is a narrow gauge engine that originally had a wooden cab.
It stayed in North Florida until its arrival in Manatee
County in 1948 at the Manatee Nocatee Crate Mill Company. In 1952, the Crate Mill went out of business and the train was slated for the scrap heap until residents raised $900 for its purchase. For decades, visitors to Bradenton were greeted by Old Cabbage Head with “Welcome to Bradenton” painted on the tender car. In 2002 it was moved to Manatee Village Historical Park and reconditioned.
While visiting Old Cabbage Head, please do not cross barriers. Visiting with energetic little ones who need to “blow off some steam”? See the map to find Junior Junction, our train–themed playground.
Images:
Old Cabbage Head when the locomotive was part of the Manatee Crate Company, c. 1930-1935, courtesy of the Manatee County Public Library Historical Digital Collection
Old Cabbage Head, 2021
Unless otherwise stated, all images were taken by MVHP staff.
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That smoke stack really does look like a cabbage head—never would've un-seen it once you pointed it out. Baldwin sure knew how to build 'em back in 1913, and I've been digging into more of their work over at https://wanxaivideo.com
The Baldwin connection is a great piece of history—love that the smokestack earned it such a memorable nickname. I’ve been digging into local rail archives myself and found a handy resource at https://yeggi.pro
The Baldwin Locomotive Works really outdid themselves in 1913—that smoke stack nickname is too perfect. I’ve been meaning to dig into more of the railway’s history, so I’m glad this piece pointed me toward the grounds and exhibits. Check out the full schedule for events if you’re planning a visit. https://omni-gemini.net
The Baldwin connection is a great piece of history—love that the smoke stack earned it such a characterful nickname. I’ve been digging into more locomotive origins over at https://faceless-ai.net