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The History of Central Montana Railroads Marker, panel 1
Photographer: Barry Swackhamer
Taken: August 17, 2019
Caption: The History of Central Montana Railroads Marker, panel 1
Additional Description: Captions: (Four photographs, clockwise from the top left) The photo above shows the first Montana Railroad train which arrived in Lewistown on October 21, 1903. The railroad was locally known as "The Jawbone". By 1910 The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway had acquired the Montana Railroad and upgraded the track, equipment and service. The CM&StP went through several name changes and was most commonly referred to as "the Milwaukee" of the "The Milwaukee Road".; The photo above shows trestle construction on the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway's line between Lewistown and Great Falls. This trestle now spans the Judith River valley and is 1,953 foot long and 135 foot high. It was completed in September, 1913. One hundred men placed 5,000 yards of concrete and erected nearly 3,000 tons of steel to construct this trestle. Steel erection was completed in just 32 days. The cost of the trestle was $300,000.; The Milwaukee's daily passenger train is shown above in 1943. The route originated in Harlowton and departed Lewiston at 9:25 AM bound for Great Falls, The train then traveled back to Harlowton and the 398 mile round trip about 16 hours. The Milwaukee depot (present day Yoga Inn) is shown in the background. Locomotive fireman Bob Spring appears in front of the locomotive (his father Cy Spring was the train's engineer). The locomotive shown above was sitting on the site of the present day Lewiston Trail Head Park.; The view above, looking to the southwest, is of the original 1915 Milwaukee yard and engine facilities. The tall coal tipple (right of center) dominated the yard with the water tower shown to the left. The roundhouse and and office building stood until 2001. Spring Creek (appearing in the lower left) has been returned to its meandering course throughout this area which is now known as Brewery Flats. In addition, the Lewistown Tail System traverses the area and sand house, preserved as the Turner Center, is visible immediately below the base of the water tower.
Submitted: December 13, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
Database Locator Identification Number: p505105
File Size: 3.156 Megabytes

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