Hardin in Big Horn County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Burlington Northern Depot

Hardin Commercial Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 19, 2021

1. Burlington Northern Depot Marker

Inscription. Hardin’s first railroad depot was moved from Fort Custer after being cut into small sections and transported by train over the Big Horn Bridge. That depot was expanded in 1909, but was deemed inadequate after the homestead boom dramatically increased freight and passenger traffic during the teens. Modeled on Burlington depots in Nebraska, the 1923 depot is a hollow clay tile structure with a brick and stucco veneer. The interior included a general waiting room, men’s waiting room, ticket office, and baggage and express room. Segregation was in effect in Hardin, and in addition to men’s and women’s bathrooms, there was a separate bathroom for Indians. Like other depots, the back of the building (facing the town) is equally as prominent as the building’s front (facing the tracks). Declared by the Hardin Tribune to be “one of the best depots” for a city Hardin’s size “between the Missouri river and the coast,” the building, at an estimated $100,000 price tag, showed the railroad’s faith in Hardin’s future.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 45° 43.823′ N, 107° 36.315′ W. Marker is in Hardin, Montana, in Big Horn County. It is on East Railway Street near North Central Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 East Railway Street, Hardin MT 59034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically he Crow Nation,

in Southeast Montana, in Custer Country. It is also in the American Mountain West,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

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: Montana's 1964 Territorial Centennial Train (within shouting distance

Burlington Northern Depot and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 19, 2021

2. Burlington Northern Depot and Marker

The marker is on a pedestal below the "Hardin Depot" sign.

of this marker); Hotel Becker (within shouting distance of this marker); James Reid's Pool Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Schneider Harness and Confectionary (within shouting distance of this marker); Hardin Commercial Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); T.E. Gay Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lee Building (about 800 feet away); Big Horn County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hardin.

Track-side side of the Burlington Northern Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 19, 2021

3. Track-side side of the Burlington Northern Depot

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 2, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.