Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Northern Pacific Railroad Depot

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

1. Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Marker

Inscription. When the tracks of the Northern Pacific reached Missoula in 1883, it was possibly the most significant event in the town’s history. Reliable transportation transformed the minor trade and lumber center to a major economic and commercial distribution hub for western Montana. The Northern Pacific constructed Missoula’s first depot in 1883. This temporary wooden structure was replaced with a fine new building in 1896, constructed by the Higgins brothers, who intended to turn it over to Northern Pacific officials in exchange for building costs. Just prior to completion, arson reduced the uninsured building to ruins. Several years later, the Northern Pacific built the present depot, which opened in 1901. The celebrated St. Paul architectural firm of Reed and Stem, which specialized in railroad depot design (and eventually designed over one hundred depots, as well as the engineering specifications for New York City’s Grand Central Station) drew the blueprints for this splendid symbol of Missoula’s importance. The brick depot, designed in simplified Renaissance Revival style, presides over Circle Square at the foot of the commercial

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district. Terra cotta roof tile, brick pilasters, and gently arched windows lend refined dignity. Terra cotta medallions, which enclose the Northern Pacific emblem, recall the original function of this commanding building, when the railroad reigned supreme.

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 52.514′ N, 113° 59.507′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is at the intersection of Railroad Street West and North Higgins Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Railroad Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Railroad Street West, Missoula MT 59802, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

Northern Pacific Railroad Depot and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

2. Northern Pacific Railroad Depot and Marker

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Atlantic Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Apartment Building at 116 West Spruce (about 500 feet away); Missoula Laundry Company (about 600 feet away); Keim Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph Dixon Residence (approx. ¼ mile away); Missoula County War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Francis L. Worden Residence (approx. ¼ mile away); Federal Building & United States Post Office (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Northern Pacific Railroad Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

3. Northern Pacific Railroad Depot

Northern Pacific Railroad Locomotive image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

4. Northern Pacific Railroad Locomotive

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 466 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 20, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.