The Wellik Foundation approved and financed the relocation expenses and purchase of the Drover Car. The Town of Wickenburg was presented the Locomotive & Tender by The Round-Up Club/Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce in 1953, after the Santa Fe Railroad gifted it to the organization. The Wellik Foundation presented the Drover Car to the Town in October 2003, and is managed by the Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a day of fine art at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, watch a performance at The Webb Center, or take a historic walking tour through Wickenburg’s restored downtown. We hike trails, ride horses, and then ride in a jeep to experience natural trails and historic places. We can participate or watch team roping at local arenas, ride a mountain bike, golf, shop, eat, play or sit and wait for the sunset. We disconnect from the grid and reconnect with each other, and have since 1863. Take a day trip or spend a week, because there’s no better place to truly experience the historic wonder of the West. The western ambiance, however, still thrives. The town has cherished the best traditions of its colorful early days. Through annual events such as Gold Rush Days & Rodeo, and the famous DC Ride, organizations such as the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce and the Desert Caballeros, and the determination and hard work of its citizens, Wickenburg is committed to preserving the best traditions of the Wild West. Come discover Wickenburg’s Historic Downtown. Discover the Jail Tree where townspeople chained lawbreakers in the old days. Discover the natural beauty and the legend of the Hassayampa River. But know that once Wickenburg shares her secrets with you, you’ll be forever changed. HISTORIC SANTA FE DEPOT/ VISITOR’S CENTER IN WICKENBURG The 1900 Series Southern Pacific Drover Caboose was purchased from the State of Nevada Historical Railroad Museum in Boulder, Nevada, by Viola Wellik and The Wellik Foundation as a gift to the Town of Wickenburg in June 2003. Volunteers from the Nevada Historical Railroad Museum and University of Las Vegas Students working nights and weekends completed the reconditioned caboose interior and exterior. The caboose was at one time painted a bright yellow. Its interior paint is original. Historically “The Drover” Car was set behind the cattle car, and cowboys stayed in the caboose and managed the herd. This particular Drover Car ran the route from Montana to California.   Vi Wellik, owner of the Flying E Ranch, and principal in saving and restoring the Santa Fe Depot in 1987, felt the completion to Historic Frontier Street would be to relocate the Santa Fe Locomotive #761 & Tender and find a caboose as a final compliment. For over 45 years the late George & Viola Wellik have made generous contributions to the betterment of our community. Mrs. Wellik passed away in February 2004.   February 2018 26 Historic Wickenburg WHEN VISITORS WANT A REAL, AUTHENTIC TASTE OF THE WILD WEST, THEY VISIT WICKENBURG. THE TOWN HAS SUCCESSFULLY MERGED THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT IN A WAY THAT AWAKENS THE COWBOY IN EVERYONE. Jacob Roddy Photography Come discover Wickenburg’s Historic Downtown. Discover the Jail Tree where townspeople chained lawbreakers in the old days. Discover the natural beauty and the legend of the Hassayampa River. But know that once Wickenburg shares her secrets with you, you’ll be forever changed.