APRIL 2026 Ghost Towns and History of Montana Newsletter From The Hardin Tribune-Herald , Mar. 12, 1937 Train Trips to Paradise– Part 2 After all these nonmechanized years, three railroads in the 1880's! Montanans were, literally, transported. The railroads mark a fundamental turning point, the greatest historical watershed in Montana history. All but ending the captivating river and wagon trades, they linked Montana to vital national markets. They opened the territory (and soon the state) to outside investment and exploitation. They goosed economic growth and development. W. G. Conrad said it all: “The railroad … changed all the channels of business and many … were unable to adjust themselves to the new conditions it brought. The coming of the railroads annihilated time and distance … and annexed the country to the commercial territory of the great eastern merchant princes.” By 1909, a third transcontinental, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific (the “Milwaukee Road”) had cut through central Montana just in time to capitalize on the great homesteader boom. Railroads were absolutely essential to homesteading in central and eastern Montana – there’s almost a causal connection. Railroads brought farm families into the state with all Accessed via: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ and Seattle Ry #700 travels west of Drummond in October 2002. Photo by Jack Dykstra Train west of Drummond: The fully restored Spokane, Portland
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