West Glacier in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Historic Boats
The steamboat F.I. Whitney was the first boat to transport visitors and supplies on Lake McDonald. According to one passenger, “It was too hot below deck by the boiler, and if you rode topside, sparks burned holes in your clothes.” It was an adventure in transportation just to reach the threshold of the mountains.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 48° 37.059′ N, 113° 52.748′ W. Marker is in West Glacier, Montana, in Flathead County. Marker can be reached from Lake McDonald Lodge Loop, 0.1 miles west of Going-To-The-Sun-Road. Marker is located in front of the Lake McDonald Lodge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Glacier MT 59936, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wilderness Architecture (within shouting distance of this marker); Time Machines (within shouting distance of this marker); A Glacial Lake (approx. half a mile away); Horns (approx. 9.1 miles away); Stephen Tyng Mather (approx. 9.1 miles away); Choosing a Route (approx. 10.1 miles away); Motoring In (approx. 15˝ miles away).
More about this marker. On the upper right is a photo with the caption, "In 1906 the Emeline was the first gas-powered commercial passenger boat on the lake."
On the lower panel is a photo of "The DeSmet, launched in 1930, continues to provide a bit of the adventure early visitors experienced on Lake McDonald."
Also see . . . Glacier National Park. U.S. National Park Service (Submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 572 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 28, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 26, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.