Merle Haggard's legendary childhood home made from a boxcar has been fully renovated and is now open to the public.
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According to Bakersfield.com, the quaint Haggard home had its grand opening during this weekend's inaugural Boxcar Festival, which celebrated the country music legend. April 6 would have been Merle's 80th birthday, and also marked the one year anniversary of his passing.
READ MORE: See Country's Biggest Stars Honor Merle Haggard at Nashville Tribute Concert
Merle's wife, Theresa, was brought to tears after a private tour of the restored boxcar home. "This is really all for them," she told the audience of Haggard's parents. "If not for them coming out from Oklahoma, with very little money, with just their hopes and two kids, we wouldn't be here today."
In order to preserve the country musician's incredible history, a local organization called "Save Hag's Boxcar' brought the home to Bakersfield, Calif. after raising funds over the last seven years. The group finally made a deal with The Kern Country Museum, allowing the boxcar to be a part of their "Pioneer Village." This unique property features many restored train engines and cabooses.
Haggard's family originally bought the boxcar from a railroad company in 1935 for just $500. The family then transformed it into a humble but unique home where the country legend was born just two years later.
Now, fans will now be able to take a walk in the Hag's shoes for years to come.
You can find more info on the Merle Haggard family boxcar here.
