Railsplitter Covered Wagon damaged by vandals New Year’s weekend

 

[January 06, 2023] 

The Railerpslitter Covered Wagon, also known by many folks simply as the World’s Largest Covered Wagon, in Lincoln was severely damaged over the New Year’s Weekend. It is believed that the damage was done intentionally as an act of vandalism.

Lincoln Alderman and liaison to the Logan County Tourism Bureau, told the community during public announcements at the Tuesday night Lincoln City Council meeting that it was a “despicable” act upon an icon of the community. He said that the damage caused would cost thousands of dollars to repair, and that the Lincoln Police Department is working on finding out who performed this act of vandalism.

On Wednesday, LCTB Director Alice Roate said that the police had been notified and a report filed regarding the damage to the wagon. All are hopeful that the culprits will be caught and held accountable.

Hoefle and Roate explained some of the damage including the complete destruction of the wagon’s back gate and some of the items inside the wagon. The back wheel, Hoefle said looked like someone had wedged themselves between the rim and the sidewall of the wagon trying to perhaps dislodge the wheel. The wheel is badly damaged, and the sidewall of the wagon also appears to be damaged.

Hoefle said that at the front of the wagon, where Lincoln sits is also damaged. He said it also appeared that there was an attempt to open and perhaps damage the small side door on the wagon, but the attempt had failed.

The Railsplitter Covered Wagon is located in the empty lot that belongs to the Lincoln Best Western on Lincoln Parkway. It is an acclaimed roadside attraction for the stretch of Route 66 that passes through Lincoln and Logan County, garnering many tourist visits throughout the year.

Though it may not be in the best condition at the moment, the wagon will in time be repaired to its former condition.

[Nila Smith]