The mainline of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad reached 2200 miles from Chicago to the west coast ports of Seattle and Tacoma.The Last Spike ceremony took place on May 14, 1909 in Gold Creek, Montana,marking the official completion of the line.
Although the Milwaukee Road had the shortest route between Chicago and Seattle, it had to cross 5 mountain ranges. These were the Belt, Rocky, Bitterroot, Saddle and Cascade Mountains. The decision was made to electrify the Rocky Mountain and Coast Divisions, powered by 28 substations. 22 were actually built, of which 7 still exist. The line also required 51 tunnels, more than the competing Great Northern and Northern Pacific routes. This line also had 10 bridges were I consider significant. These crossed the Mississippi River at La Crosse, Hastings and Minneapolis, the Missouri River at Mobridge and Lombard, the Yellowstone River at Calypso, Tusler and Paragon, Lake Chatcolet at Benewah, and the Columbia River at Beverly. The CMSP&P was granted trackage rights into Portland during March 1971, and the use of a second bridge crossing the Columbia River, north of Portland.
To reach Seattle and Tacoma from Chicago, the CMSP&P required 2,178 route miles. A slim majority of this trackage remains in use, almost all of it on the eastern of of the line. These 1,139 miles are divided amoung 8 operators-BNSF Railway, 507 miles, in ND, SD and MTCanadian Pacific, 394 miles, in IL, WI and MNTwin Cities and Western, 143 miles, in MinnesotaMetra, 32 miles, in IllinoisUnion Pacific, 28 miles, in WashingtonSt. Maries River, 20 miles, in IdahoColumbia Basin, 13 miles, in WashingtonTrinity Railcar, 2 miles, in MontanaThis is a 16 page booklet of CMSP&P history.Cover1 Cover2 Page 1 Page 2 Page 3Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Page 9 Page10 Page11 Page12 Page13Page14 Page15 Page16 Cover3 Cover4
Further information on the Milwaukee Road can be found on Wikipedia.Wikipedia-CMSP&PThese are links to 1973 and 1944 system maps of the CMSP&P. webhome.idirect.com mrcd.1944
Illinois
From Chicago the Milwaukee Road traveled 48 miles north to Wisconsin.Metra, the Chicago commuter railroad, owns the first 32 miles to Rondout,while Canadian Pacific has the following 16 miles to the border. The starting point of mainline was Chicago Union Station. The Station was built in 1925 and owned by the Pennsylvania (50%), CB&Q (25%) and the CMSP&P (25%). The Milwaukee and the PRR used the 10 northern tracks while the PRR, CB&Q and the GM&O used the southern 18 tracks. Amtrak took over the Milwaukee Road's intercity passenger trains on May 1, 1971. Metra (the Regional Transportation Authority) operates the former CMSP&P commuter trains to the west and north. This aerial view of C.U.S. shows the waiting room building west of Canal Street while the concourse is under the office building on the east side of Canal Street. There was a concourse building here until 1967.Wikimapia Wikipedia trainweb.org hebners.net This is a photograph of the Afternoon Hiawatha leaving Chicago Union Station in 1947 behind DL 109 14. rr-fallenflags.org Intercity trains still operating at the start of Amtrak ran west to Omaha, northwest to Madison and north to Milwaukee with the Morning Hiawatha running on to Minneapolis. Power included 5 FP45 locomotives which were later used in freight service, although they lacked dynamic brakes. rrpicturearchives.net On January 1st, 1986 Metra purchased the Milwaukee Road mainline from Chicago Union Station to Rondout, IL, and on to Fox Lake as well as west to Big Timber Road (near Elgin). Until recently the commuter trains were handled by a fleet of F40C locomotives. rrpicturearchives.net At mile 2.9 is tower A2, Western Avenue and this Metra facility.Wikimapia Wikipedia-MetraTower A5 (Pacific Junction) is at mile 5.4. The Elgin sub runs west of here through Elgin to Big Timber Road at mile 39.8 were ownership under Iowa, Chicago and Eastern begins. The C&M subdivision continues to the north.Wikimapia The line running to the east was called the Bloomingdale Line. chicagoswitching.com The Wisconsin and Southern has trackage rights over this line into Chicago. Here is a WSOR train in Morton Grove. rrpicturearchives.net
Glenview, Il, at mile 17.7, is a stop for the Empire Builder and the Hiawathas.Wikimapia trainweb.org hebners.net Northbrook is the location of Techny Junction, where the CMSP&P line passes under the Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) line heading to Proviso Yard. Milwaukee Road freight trains from the north would swing onto this line on their way to Bensenville Yard.Wikimapia
Bensenville Yard lies just south of O'Hare Airport.Wikimapia rrpicturearchives.net
At mile 32.3 is the junction of Rondout where the tower is still manned. The Elgin, Joliet and Eastern crosses here heading northeast to Waukegan. The former Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee Mundelein branch ran under the CMSP&P line. Metra's line to Fox Lake swings off to the west and Canadian Pacific ownership begins on the line heading for Milwaukee.Wikimapia Here is a shot of the Rondout tower. rrpicturearchives.net GP38-2 358 heads north past Rondout Tower during 1980. rr-fallenflags.org
WISCONSIN
Canadian Pacific currently owns the 235 mile mainline across Wisconsin, from Illinois through Milwaukee and on into Minnesota.
Here is an up to date railmap of Wisconsin. dot.wisconsin.gov Mile 61.8 is Sturtevant and the junction with the "Southwestern" line which went through Beloit and joined the line to Kansas City at Kittredge until 1978. Today Canadian Pacific uses it to Kansasville, about 10 miles to the west. Amtrak's Hiawathas stop here at a new Station.Wikimapia trainweb.org rrpicturearchives.netMile 69.4 is Caledonia where this 1960 shot of a Hiawatha passenger train was taken.Wikimapia rrpicturearchives.net CMSP&P-Hiawathas
Another stop for the Hiawathas is the new Milwaukee Airport Station.Wikimapia trainweb.org Amtrak-HiawathasThe mainline used this bridge over the Menomonee to enter downtown.Wikimapia rrpicturearchives.net Milwaukee is at mile 85.7. The C&M subdivision ends and the Watertown Subdivision begins heading west. In the 1950s the line from Milwaukee to Minneapolis was part of the La Crosse Division. This Terraserver image shows the line crossing the bridge and running under the US Post Office building before getting to the station.Wikimapia rrpicturearchives.net trainweb.org
This is a poster of one of CMSP&P's Atlantic 4-4-2 passenger locomotives. rrpicturearchives.net Here is some information on Atlantics. trains.com The Milwaukee Road was a good customer of Fairbanks Morse, buying 152 of the 1,460 Fairbanks Morse locomotives constructed. Along with H10-44, H12-44, H16-44 and H16-66 frieght locomotives, they had 18 C-Liners and 20 Erie-Builds. The C-Liners included 12 A units and 6 B units which started arriving in July 1951. CFA 16-4 26A was traded in to EMD in 1968 and is pictured here.rrpicturearchives.net West of the station the CMSP&P had their huge shops and several yards which took up almost everything in this image. terraserver.microsoft.com The heart of the Milwaukee Road was the shops in Milwaukee. rr-fallenflags.org rr-fallenflags.org Here is a photo of the yards from the age of steam. rrpicturearchives.net Between Wauwatosa and Elm Grove the mainline passes under the former C&NW mainline heading for Butler yard.Wikimapia Duplainville is at mile 102.2 where there is a crossing and connection with a Canadian National line, which was Soo Line's and then regional Wisconsin Central.Wikimapia Photos Mile 104.2 is Pewaukee where the line runs beside the lake. rrpicturearchives.net WikimapiaMile 117.9 is Oconomowoc, and here is a recent shot of Canadian Pacific GP38-2 4521, formerly a GP40X. rrpicturearchives.net WikimapiaHere is a train on Terraserver at Oconomowoc. terraserver.microsoft.com Watertown is at mile 131.2 where a Union Pacific (C&NW) line down to Fort Atkinson is crossed. The mainline runs northwest while the line to Madison runs to the west, which is now a Wisconsin and Southern line. terraserver.microsoft.com Photos
Amtrak uses the 1906 Milwaukee Road Station in Columbus.terraserver.microsoft.com trainweb.org GP40-2 2002 leads a Sprint train through Fall River Wisconsin during 1982. rr-fallenflags.org Here is a westbound near Rio. terraserver.microsoft.com At mile 178.2 is Portage, where the Watertown subdivision ends and the Tomah subdivision begins. This is a crew change location and a stop for the Empire Builder. terraserver.microsoft.com Photos trainweb.org The M&P subdivision runs south from Portage to Madison and serves the Columbia power plant, which the CMSP&P began serving in Oct. 1974. terraserver.microsoft.com At mile 195.1 is Wisconsin Dells, another stop for the Empire Builder.Here is a shot of F7A 70A leading a train.The 70A was acquired in July 1950 and retired in May 1980.rrpicturearchives.net trainweb.org On the west side of Wisconsin Dells is this bridge over the Wisconsin River. rr-fallenflags.org rr-fallenflags.org And another view of the bridge. rrpicturearchives.net terraserver.microsoft.com New Lisbon is at mile 221.2. This is the junction with the Wisconsin Valley Line now owned by Canadian National. terraserver.microsoft.com This is a photograph of the old coaling tower in New Lisbon. rrpicturearchives.net Here is an aerial view of a westbound at Camp Douglas. terraserver.microsoft.com
Tomah is served by the Empire Builder.rrpicturearchives.net trainweb.org terraserver.microsoft.com The CMSP&P and the Chicago and North Western built parallel lines between Tomah and La Crosse. During 1973 the C&NW tunnel at Tunnel City collapsed so the North Western arranged trackage rights over the Milwaukee and tore up their line. This is an aerial image of two westbounds in 1999 about to enter the tunnel. terraserver.microsoft.com This is a photo from 1985 showing an eastbound Milwaukee Road freight coming out of the tunnel. In the lead is SD40-2 147 which arrived in July 1972. rrpicturearchives.net The Milwaukee Road called this Tunnel #1. There were 51 tunnels between Chicago and Seattle, and this is one of two still in use. Altogether, there was a total of 64 on the Milwaukee Road, of which 8 are currently in service. The Soo line had studied daylighting this tunnel. The C&NW tunnel was just to the north. terraserver.microsoft.com Mile 265.5 is Sparta where this 1972 shot of 572 and 573 was taken. The CMSP&P had 6 of these RSD 5 locomotives which came in 1953. The 572 was scrapped in the Milwaukee's shops in 1976. rrpicturearchives.net Here is a CMSP&P Diesel Roster by Fred Hyde. trainweb.org/milwaukee Mile 265.0 is Bangor where this Canadian Pacific train lead by Soo Line 4506 was shot in 2004. rrpicturearchives.net terraserver.microsoft.com West Salem is the location of this 1984 photograph of CMSP&P SD40-2 186 on the point of this train. This locomotive joined the Soo Line and then went to GATX. rrpicturearchives.net terraserver.microsoft.com In La Crosse at Grand Junction is a busy crossing with the BNSF.Here is a photo from 1984 of Milwaukee Road GP40 2001 at the crossing. Until January 28, 1991 this was the last continuously manned tower in Wisconsin. rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org
The Empire Builder uses the Station in La Crosse.wikimapia.org rrpicturearchives.net trainweb.org La Crosse had a roundhouse in the wye, between the station to the east and the Black River drawbridge to the west.wikimapia.org GP38-2 4411 is shown going over the Black River drawbridge.rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org The Mississippi River is crossed with a total of 4 separate bridges, including a swing span along the Minnesota shore and a draw span on the Wisconsin side.This crossing opened on November 27, 1876.wikimapia.org Johnweeks.Mainchannel Johnweeks.Eastchannel Johnweeks.Frenchslough Johnweeks.Blackriver
MINNESOTA
The Milwaukee Road's route through the Gopher State to the South Dakota border ran 316 miles, of which 7 have been abandoned. This involves 2 miles from South Minneapolis to the Minneapolis Station, and 5 miles running west to Bass Lake. The remaining trackage is operated by Canadian Pacific, 143 miles, Twin Cities and Western, 143 miles, and BNSF, 23 miles.
Minnesota DOT state rail maps. www.dot.state.mn.us At River Junction the mainline heads northwest towards Minneapolis, while another route to Kansas City follows the Mississippi River southward.wikimapia.org Here are some pictures of Milwaukee Road action around River Junction. rrpicturearchives.net rrpicturearchives.net rrpicturearchives.net rrpicturearchives.net
The line south of River Junction is now the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern. This had been the Dubuque subdivision. rrpicturearchives.net The line north of River Junction to St. Paul Yard is the River subdivision. This is a shot of Soo Line 4437 leading a train through Dresbach. rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org This is another Soo Line train with 772 up front going through Dakota, Minnesota. rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org
FP7A 98C leads the Twin Cities Hiawatha along the Mississippi River. rr-fallenflags.org The 1888 CM&StP Station in Winona is still in service with Amtrak. rrpicturearchives.net trainweb.org wikimapia.org
The Milwaukee Road owned 6 bridges across the Mississippi River, three of which were on the mainline, at La Crosse, WI, Hastings, MN, and Minneapolis, MN. The other three were between Savanna and Sabula, and the pontoon bridges near Wabasha, MN, and at Prairie du Chien, WI. The bridges of other railroads were used at four other crossings, the DRI&NW bridge at Davenport, the C&NW bridge in St. Paul, and two bridges at Winona. East of the City was a joint Chicago, Burlington and Quincy-Green Bay and Western bridge that was used to reach the Eau Claire branch from 1952 until 1979.Google image Photo article article article
The Milwaukee Road also used the Winona and St. Peter bridge at Winona, beginning in 1872 for a Milwaukee to Minneapolis route. During 1876 the railroad opened it's own route between La Crosse and Winona up the west bank.Google image USACE article Photo Johnweeks.WinonaMilwaukee Road SD40-2s 200 and 143 are shown here running south through Wabasha, mile 341 rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org Just north of Wabasha is Reads Landing. Until 1952 the CMSP&P had a pontoon bridge over the Mississippi river as part of a line to Eau Claire.wikimapia.org This is an aerial view of a northbound in Lake City, mile 353.8. terraserver.microsoft.com rrpicturearchives.net
Red Wing has a beautiful station used by the Empire Builder.trainweb.org hebners.net wikimapia.org rrpicturearchives.net Mile 391.1 is Hastings where this recent view shows Canadian Pacific AC4400CW 8548 beside the station after crossing the Mississippi. rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org This is one of three operating lift bridges over the Mississippi and it first opened in December 1871.wikimapia.org Johnweeks.Hastings Photo Photo Wikipedia St. Croix is at mile 392.1. The former Milwaukee Road from the south meets the BNSF line coming from the east in this view and they operate as joint trackage to St. Paul yard.wikimapia.org At mile 407.4 is St. Paul yard, commonly known as Pig's Eye. The BNSF Dayton's bluff yard runs along the east side.wikimapia.org The locomotive facility is at the north end.wikimapia.org The Milwaukee Road had a wide variety of power in St. Paul over the years. Baldwin AS 616 561(1951) rrpicturearchives.net Baldwin S12 907 (1953) rrpicturearchives.net Baldwin DS4-4 1000 946 rrpicturearchives.net GE U25B 5003 (1965) rrpicturearchives.net GE U28B 5500 (1966) rrpicturearchives.net EMD FP7A 92A (1950) rrpicturearchives.net EMD GP20 950 (ex GP9) rrpicturearchives.net EMD GP38-2 355 (1973) rrpicturearchives.net EMD GP40 2059 (1968) rrpicturearchives.net EMD SD10 545 (ex SD7) rrpicturearchives.net EMD SDL39 581 (1969) rrpicturearchives.net EMD MP15AC 463 (1976) rrpicturearchives.net The line west of St. Paul yard is now the Merriam Park subdivision. This image shows St. Paul Union Depot, which opened in 1920 and closed on April 30, 1971.wikimapia.org wikipedia.org Fordson Juction is at mile 412.0, beside the power plant. The mainline heads west and a spur line goes southwest to the Ford plant. A third line crosses the Mississippi on the old Omaha Road bridge and used to go down to Iowa.wikimapia.org Mile 416.0 is Merriam Park, where Amtrak's Empire Builder leaves the former CMSP&P and uses Minnesota Commercial trackage to reach Midway Station.wikimapia.org This is a view of the Short Line Bridge crossing the Mississippi River.wikimapia.org rrpicturearchives.net PhotosWikipedia Johnweeks.ShortlineSouth Minneapolis at mile 419 had a junction of Milwaukee Road north-south and east-west lines. The mileposts followed the passenger train route from the east and then to the north for two miles to the Minneapolis station and then back here before heading west. A through freight train would jump from mile 419 to mile 423. Minnesota Commercial operates a two mile spur running south from here. The line to the north and the next four miles to the west has been removed.wikimapia.org
Minnesota Commercial has greatly expanded over the last few years, adding trackage from the former Milwaukee Road and several other railroad lines throughout the region.mnnr.net/ mnnr.org/This Terraserver image from 1991 shows how the junction used to look. terraserver.microsoft.com The Minneapolis Station opened in 1898 and hosted passenger service until May 1971. The railroad used the office space until selling the building in 1984.wikimapia.org wikipedia.org These are some pictures some of the locomotives seen in Minneapolis. ALCo RSC-2 592 (1947) rrpicturearchives.net ALCo S4 802 (1951) rrpicturearchives.net GE U30C 5652 (1974) rrpicturearchives.net EMD F3A 82A (1949) rrpicturearchives.net EMD F7A 88C (1949) rrpicturearchives.net EMD GP35 1501 (1965) rrpicturearchives.net EMD FP45 1 (1968) rrpicturearchives.net Minneapolis purchased the ROW from South Minneapolis to Bass Lake at mile 428.0 for future rapid transit use in 1992. The track has been removed and trains detour to the north using a piece of Minneapolis and St. Louis track now owned by the Twin Cities and Western. This image shows an eastbound train with its last 4 cars on the former CMSP&P.wikimapia.org At mile 429.4 is St. Louis Park where the former MN&S crosses overhead.wikimapia.org Hopkins at mile 431.8 was the end of the La Crosse Division and the start of the Aberdeen Division.wikimapia.org This is an aerial showing an eastbound crossing Shady Oak Lake in Minnetonka.wikimapia.org Canadian Pacific ownership comes to an end at Tower E 14 which is mile 435.0. This was a crossing with the Minneapolis and St. Louis. The line west from here to Appleton was sold to the Twin Cities and Western in April, 1991.wikimapia.org This is a photograph of two CMSP&P SD40-2s passing through Chanhassen. rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org At Norwood, mile 461, was a crossing with another Minneapolis and St. Louis line. The Twin Cities and Western has been operating this line to Hanley Falls since 2002.wikimapia.org The Twin Cities and Western operate out of Glencoe mile 473. rrpicturearchives.net wikimapia.org This is the TCWR website www.tcwr.net Just north of Granite Falls mile 542 the CMSP&P crossed a Great Northern line which went into South Dakota and Iowa.wikimapia.org Montevideo at mile 555 had a fair sized yard. terraserver.microsoft wikimapia.org Appleton at mile 578 is the end of Twin Cities and Western ownership. Canadian Pacific sold the line from Appleton to Ortonville mile 600 to Burlington Northern in 1992.wikimapia.org
Ortonville at mile 600 became the end of the CMSP&P in 1982 when the line to the west was sold to the state of South Dakota. There was a 118 mile line to Fargo from Ortonville that was abandoned in 1980. The border between Minnesota and South Dakota is just west of the bridge over the river.wikimapia.org
SOUTH DAKOTA
The 299 mile line across South Dakota is now owned by BNSF.
This is the South Dakota DOT site. www.sddot.com Big Stone City at mile 602.2 has a spur running north to the Big Stone power plant. This 450 MW facility has been operating since 1975 and there are plans to build a second unit here. wikimapia.org www.bigstoneii.com At Milbank mile 611 is the junction with the Sisseton Milbank Railroad. The CMSP&P operated this until 1982 when Dakota Rail took over. wikimapia.org
Lonnie King has put this photoessay together covering the line from Milbank to Harlowton.themilwaukeeroadtrail.org Summit at mile 633 is the end of a 14 mile 1% climb out of the Minnesota River valley and it had a wye for turning helpers. terraserver.microsoft.com This link is just a TerraServer westbound at Bristol mile 669. terraserver.microsoft.com West of Bristol the Milwaukee Road had a grade to 1.2 % as westbound trains drop down off of the Coteau des Prairies. A large loop was built during 1911 bending down to the south to give eastbounds a grade of 0.5% compensated. The original allignment was removed in 1959 and is now used by Highway 12. wikimapia.org Andover was the junction with a 50 mile branch to Cogswell, ND. Most of the branch was removed in 1980 and a 5 mile section north of Britton survives as part of the DMVW. terraserver.microsoft.com Aberdeen was the headquarters of the Aberdeen division. Besides the mainline the CMSP&P had a line coming up from Iowa that continued into North Dakota. The C&NW also had a line from the south which went into North Dakota. The Great Northern and the Minneapolis and St. Louis served Aberdeen as well. Currently BNSF has the mainline and the line south to Sioux City while the DME has rights over this line from Wolsey. The GN line is now operated by the Dakota, Minnesota Valley and Western. Aberdeen became the western end of passenger service after the last Olympian Hiawatha replacement train (Numbers 15 and 16) pulled back from Deer Lodge at the end of January 1964. The last scheduled passenger train to Aberdeen left Minneapolis on April 15, 1969. wikimapia.org themilwaukeeroadtrail
CMSP&P FP7A 104A and F7A 118A, and Baldwin S12 921, in Aberdeen- rrpicturearchives.net rrpicturearchives.net A BN westbound train near mile 742- terraserver.microsoft.com At Roscoe there was a line 41 miles south to Orient until 1978. Another line went north 75 miles through Eureka, SD, to Linton, ND until 1980. BN purchased the 49 miles of this line north of Eureka and operated it for several years before turning it over to the Dakota, Missouri Valley and Western. DMVW has since abandoned the line. terraserver.microsoft.com
The CMSP&P, and later on the BN, made line changes to reduce curvature across western South Dakota, which left some of the towns off of the mainline. A 1946 line change from mile 772 to mile 782 left Java south of the main, served by a spur line.terraserver.microsoft.com
Another town bypassed by a line change was Glenham.terraserver.microsoft.com The mainline ended at Evarts when the decision to build to the coast was made in 1905. The construction of the Oahe Dam in the early 1960s created Lake Oahe which has flooded the townsite. terraserver.microsoft.com
This is an article on the Pacific Coast Extension.northeast.railfan.net
Mobridge is where the Milwaukee Road mainlie crossed the Missouri River. It took 3 years to build the PCE 1,400 miles to the Pacific Coast. terraserver.microsoft.com themilwaukeeroadtrailThe first bridge over the river was a wooden temporary bridge, which was in place by April 1907. Construction of a permanent steel bridge took place while the PCE headed west, and the second bridge was opened on March 19th, 1908. The third bridge at this site was built by the USACE during 1961 for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific, necessitated by the Oahe Dam project. CMSP&P operations in South Dakota came to an end during March 1982, resulting in the purchase of the line by the State, with Burlington Northern contracted to run the route. BNSF Railway now owns and operates the bridge. WikiMapia Terraserver Photo Johnweeks.photosMoreau Jct. was the start of 164 miles of light track to the towns of Isabel and Faith which lasted until 1980. Several miles of the Mainline and the branch had to be moved due to the Oahe dam. terraserver.microsoft.com The relocation included this bridge over the Grand River. terraserver.microsoft.com
This link has a westbound at Mahto near mile 828. maps.google.com/maps McLaughlin was the start of a 134 mile branch to New England, ND. This line survived the March 1980 reorganization, only to be abandoned during March 1982. wikimapia.org
NORTH DAKOTA
BNSF Railway operates the 103 miles of the mainline through North Dakota.
Near Gascoyne is the spur to Knife River. wikimapia.org The Knife River lignite mine originated coal for the Big Stone Power Plant on the Milwaukee Road. wikimapia.org Bowman reminds me of a model train layout. wikimapia.org
The Little Missouri River was crossed on the east side of Marmarth.wikimapia.org Marmarth was a crew change site and engine terminal.This was the former site of a roundhouse and turntable. wikimapia.org
MONTANA
The Milwaukee Road's Mainline traveled 746 miles through Montana, and currently 84 miles remains in service. BNSF operates 76 miles from North Dakota to the connection at Terry. They have another 5 miles between Butte and Newcomb, along with short sections in Miles City and Deer Lodge. Trinity Railcar are using 2 miles through the former Miles City shops.
This is a map of Railroads in Montana. mdt.mt.gov/travinfo Just inside Montana, the mainline leaves the Little Missouri Valley to enter the Yellowstone River Valley at Kingmont. This aerial image shows an westbound empty BNSF unit coal train returning for another load, just cresting the summit. wikimapia.org
A few pictures from Pelva-themilwaukeeroadtrail WikimapiaThe mainline came down into the Yellowstone River valley and crossed over Interstate 94 and the BNSF former NP mainline near mile 1,075. Wikimapia The mainline now ends just east of Terry where BN built a connection to their line. Wikimapia At mile 1,084 near Calypso the Milwaukee road crossed over to the north bank of the Yellowstone River. At this location the river is flowing to the northwest on its way east. Wikimapia
The Olympian derailed on the Custer Creek bridge on June 19, 1938, killing 48 of the 218 people on board. The swollen creek undermined the two center piers.Wikimapia billingsgazette.net At Tusler the CMSP&P crossed the Yellowstone for the second time. terraserver.microsoft WikimapiaAbout 4000' of line is in use on the east side of Miles City to serve this facility. Wikimapia Miles City had a fair sized yard which is now used by Trinity Railcar Repair. A transfer table is located between the two large buildigs. From Miles City crews ran west to Melstone and east to Marmarth. This was the west end of the Aberdeen Division and the start of the Rocky Mountain Division. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Near Paragon was the third and final crossing of the Yellowstone River. terraserver.microsoft Wikimapia
Ingomar's station still stands.themilwaukeeroadtrail WikimapiaMelstone had a roundhouse and was a crew change location. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail At Roundup the CMSP&P had a spur 4 miles south to a coal mine at Klein. terraserver.microsoft Wikimapia A black and white photograph of the station in Roundup. rr-fallenflags.org At Slayton the line passed under the former Great Northern line from Great Falls to Billings. Wikimapia This is a station list covering Harlowton to Seattle and Tacoma from 1951. webhome.idirect Harlowton at mile 1,335.5 was at 4,162' and was the beginning of the electrified territory. The CMSP&P served northern Montana from here with a line through Lewistown to Great Falls also serving Winnett, Roy, Winifred and Agawan. 111 out of the 394 miles of track north of Harlowton are still being operated. On the mainline crews operated east to Melstone and west to Three Forks. The next 95 miles to Lombard were built by the Montana Railroad. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail
These are two articles on the Milwaukee Road's mainline electrification.scn.org/cedar_butte northeast.railfan
Lonnie King put together this interesting Photo essay covering the Milwaukee from Harlowton to St. Maries, ID.themilwaukeeroadtrail E-57B is on display in Harlowton. rr-fallenflags.org WikimapiaThis is a roster of the electrics. web-archive-org Helmut Wisinger has put this Montana guide together of what can be seen along the right of way. webhome.idirect
Two Dot was at mile 1,347.5 and at 4,443'. This was the location of substation #1. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Loweth was mile 1,380.9 and at 5,802' (5,787' before 1956) and was the summit through the Belt Mountains. This was also the location of substation #2. Wikimapia Ringling at mile 1,392.8 and 5,307 was the junction with the White Sulphur Springs and Yellowstone Park Railway. The CMSP&P owned the track and leased it out. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail
The White Sulphur Springs and Yellowstone Park Railway operated 23 miles north to the town of White Sulphur Springs, Montana, until March 1980.Wikimapia The line from Ringling to Lombard through Sixteen Mile Canyon featured 8 tunnels in 30 miles. Red Tunnel #2 was near mile 1,398, about 1,154 miles fromtunnel #1 in Wisconsin. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Tunnels #3 and #4 were near mile 1,409. Tunnel #3 was also known as Canyon Tunnel.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
Eagle Nest Tunnel #4 was in the movie Danger Lights.Wikimapia imdb.com/title Josephine Tunnel #5 was near mile 1,410. Wikimapia Francis was at mile 1,411.4 at 4,652' and had substation #3. Francis was originally named Josephine, and the named was changed to that of a local family.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Deer Park Tunnels #6 and #7 were west of Maudlow near mile 1,420. Wikimapia#6 Wikimapia#7 themilwaukeeroadtrail
Deer Park Tunnel # 8 was near mile 1,422.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft This is a 1956 timetable for the Olympian Hiawatha from Deer Park to Seattle and Tacoma. rrpicturearchives.net Lombard was at 3,985' and at mile 1,430.4, just west of Tunnel # 9. The CMSP&P passed over the Northern Pacific (now MRL) and then crossed the Missouri River. Tunnel#9Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft themilwaukeeroadtrail
Eustis at mile 1,441.2 and 4,014' was home to substation #4.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Across the river from Trident is the Holcim Cement manufacturing facility located on Montana Rail Link. Wikimapia
Three Forks at 1,449.7 and 4,068' was a crew change location. A line to the east went through Bozeman to Menard. The town is named after the Madison, Gallatin and Jefferson rivers which joined together here to form the Missouri.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft A recent shot of the abandoned ROW near Three Forks. rr-fallenflags.org
At Sappington the Northern Pacific (now MRL) crossed over the Milwaukee Road mainline and the Jefferson River. Wikimapia
The CMSP&P itself crossed the Jefferson River at Jefferson Island.Wikimapia Piedmont mile 1,484.2 was at 4,350' and was the location of substation #5. The Continental Divide at Donald was 20.2 miles away and 2,002' higher resulting in a grade of 1.83%.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Vendome at 1,489.7 had this 3 mile horseshoe to keep the grade below 2%.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Tunnel #10 at mile 1,497 was called Fish Creek Tunnel.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
Fish Creek Viaduct has been removed.Wikimapia Donald at mile 1,504.9 was the highest point on the CMSP&P at 6,352'. The Railroad crossed under the Continental Divide through Pipestone Pass Tunnel #11, which was 2,290' long.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft The Blacktail Viaduct, Blacktail #1 Tunnel (#12) and Blacktail #2 (#13) were on the west slope of the Divide.WikimapiaWikimapia terraserver.microsoftWikimapia terraserver.microsoft
Janney mile 1,511.6 was at 5,856' now has a house built beside the foundation of substation #6 and a garage on the right of way. 200 yards to the west is another house on the ROW. Wikimapia BNSF serves Newcomb at mile 1,515.2 using 5 miles of the former mainline from Butte. BNSF Railway acquired this trackage with the purchase of the Montana Western in 2003. Wikimapia Butte Yard was at 1,519.8 and at 5,475' and was at the south end of the City. The passenger station and a small yard were closer to downtown. This aerial image shows the junction with the main from the south heading west and the line to the station heading east. terraserver.microsoft
The Butte Passenger Station now houses KXLF.Wikimapia This is a photograph from 1973 of SW1 869 in Butte. rrpicturearchives.net Near mile 1,531 the Butte, Anaconda and Pacific crossed over the CMSP&P on one bridge and then crossed over the Northern Pacific and the Clark Fork River on another bridge.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Morel was at mile 1,544.8 and 4,870 and was the location of substation #7.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Deer Lodge mile 1,561.8 is at 4,523 was home to the locomotive shops. Crews from Deer lodge ran east to Three Forks and west to Alberton. On May 24, 1961 this became the west end of passenger service following the demise of the Olympian Hiawatha. With the end January,1964, passenger service pulled back to Aberdeen, South Dakota. The last electric operations on the Milwaukee Road took place here on June 15, 1974. During the morning Little Joes E-73 and E-20 brought a 264 into Deer Lodge from Alberton and in the afternoon steeple cab E-82 moved some cars around the yard.It is believed E57B was used here on June 21st, 1974.Wikimapia terraserver themilwaukeeroadtrail The E34 Boxcab set and steeple cab E80 at Deer Lodge. rr-fallenflags.org rr-fallenflags.org E70 is on display in Deer Lodge.Wikimapia rrpicturearchives.net highironillustrations.com
Garrison Tunnel #14 is near mile 1,573 west of Garrison. Montana Rail Link's former NP Garrison Tunnel cuts through the same ridge, about one mile west of where the two NP routes over Mullan and Homestake came together. The shorter MRL tunnel to the east is still in use.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Gold Creek at mile 1,580.4 and at 4,167' was the home of substation #8. The official last spike ceremony took place here on May 9, 1909. The actual last spike was driven closer to Missoula a couple of weeks earlier. This substation still stands. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail webhome.idirect
Here a is photograph that shows the ROW today. rrpicturearchives.net Nimrod Tunnel #15 was near mile 1,612 just east of Ravenna. MRL's Nimrod Tunnel runs parallel through the same ridge.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Ravenna was the site of substation #9 which still stands. Wikimapia webhome.idirect
Beavertail Tunnel #16 was at mile 1616 (fitting) and beside another one of Montana Rail Link's ex NP tunnels, Bonita Tunnel.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Bonner Junction was at mile 1,635.0 and 3,280' and was the junction with a line that went 40 miles east to Cottonwood.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
Bonner Tunnel #16.5 was added after the mainline was completed.WikimapiaMissoula mile 1,641.3 was at 3,184'. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail A switcher with cabeese at Missoula, and the Missoula Station.The Station is currently used by the Boone & Crockett Club.rr-fallenflags.org Wikimapia RRpicturearchives Primrose was the site for substation #10 at mile 1,650.8 and 3,073'.This is the third consecutive substation still in relatively good shape.Wikimapia webhome.idirect
Some photographs from Frenchtown-themilwaukeeroadtrail Wikimapia
Nine Mile Tunnel #17 was near Soudan around mile 1,667. Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
Crews from Deer Lodge and Avery (later St. Maries) changed at Alberton, mile 1,672.6 which was at 3,048'. The former station is now a small museum. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Cyr Tunnel #18 was near mile 1,678.Wikimapia
Tarkio at mile 1,687.6 was at 2,919' and had substation #11. Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
At St. Regis mile 1,715.9 at 2,684' the CMSP&P crossed over the Clark Fork River and the Northern Pacific. Montana Rail Link removed one span from the bridge. This was the lowest spot for the CMSP&P between the Rocky Mountains and the Bitterroots. The climb to East Portal was 1,485' in 33.2 miles.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Drexel was home to substation #12 at 2,858' and at mile 1,725.5.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Haugan was at mile 1,734.8 and at 3,142'. After a flood by the St. Regis River in 1933 the Northern Pacific used the CMSP&P from St. Regis to Haugan as part of their Wallace branch. After the Milwaukee Road abandoned their line during March 1980 BN continued to use this trackage until they could abandon their line a few months later in 1980.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Bryson mile 1,744.3 was at 3,787' and was located on the east side of the loop up Dominion Creek. Dominion Creek Tunnel #19 was at the apex of the loop.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft themilwaukeeroadtrail
East Portal was the summit of St. Paul Pass at 4,169'. Substation #13 was here at mile 1,749.1. St. Paul Pass Tunnel #20 was 8,771' long and took the line into Idaho.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft themilwaukeeroadtrail
Idaho
The St. Maries River Railroad are running 20 of the 99 miles that ran through Idaho. Their section is from Regulus to Plummer Jct.
St. Paul Pass is located in the Bitterroot Mountains, which divide Montana and Idaho in this area. The summit of the Pass is 5,162'. With the use of the 8,771' long tunnel, the Milwaukee Road kept their summit to 4,170'.The original survey looked at a longer tunnel of approximately 4 miles in length, from Bryson, MT, to Adair, ID. This would have created a summit below 3800', and reduced the route by several miles.A later study looked at another tunnel between Bryson and Adair, replacing Tunnels #19 to #34, four high steel bridges, about 1,000 degrees of curvature, ten miles of line, and lowering the grade to about .6% at 3500 feet. This would have involved moving the line lower down into the valleys for 10 miles between Haugan and Bryson, as well as 17 miles between Adair and Avery.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft This is a guide to what can be seen of the Milwaukee Road in Idaho today. webhome.idirect
The Route of the Hiawatha trail uses the old right of way.wallace-id.com themilwaukeeroadtrail brian894x4.com From the west portal of the St. Paul Pass Tunnel to the end of the electrification in Avery, the CMSP&P mainline dropped 1,660' in 22 miles. This segment had 16 tunnels and several large bridges.Roland siding, mile 1751, elv. 4153' WikimapiaDry Creek Tunnel #21 (790') WikimapiaMoss Creek Tunnel #22 (1516') WikimapiaSmall Creek Tunnel (#1) #23 (279') WikimapiaSmall Creek Tunnel (#2) #24 (377') WikimapiaKelly Creek Trestle WikimapiaAdair siding mile 1,755.9, elv. 3,777' WikimapiaLoop Creek Tunnel (#1) #25 (996') WikimapiaLoop Creek Tunnel (#2) #26 (683') WikimapiaTurkey Creek Trestle WikimapiaBear Creek Trestle WikimapiaClear Creek Trestle WikimapiaClear Creek Tunnel (#1) #27 (470') i WikimapiaClear Creek Tunnel (#2) #28 (178') WikimapiaFalcon siding, mile 1760, elv. 3420' WikimapiaDeer Creek Tunnel (#1) #29 (217') WikimapiaPearson, mile 1763, elv. 3200' WikimapiaDeer Creek Tunnel (#2) #30 (221') WikimapiaGlade Creek Tunnel (#1) #31 (332') WikimapiaGlade Creek Tunnel (#2) #32 (638') WikimapiaKyle siding mile 1,756.7, elv. 3,000' Wikimapiathemilwaukeeroadtrail Kyle Tunnel #33 (462') WikimapiaStetson Trestle WikimapiaStetson Tunnel (#1) #34 (462') WikimapiaStetson Tunnel (#2) #35 (416') WikimapiaStetson Tunnel (#3) #36 (552') Wikimapia
Avery was at mile 1,772.9 at 2,495' and was the end of the electrification. This was a crew change point between Alberton to the east and Malden to the west. After the wirers came down in 1974 the crew change was moved to St. Maries. Substation #14 was here and this is where the Rocky Mountain Division met the Coast Division. The line west of Avery was purchased by the St. Maries River Railroad and was abandoned in stages after 1980. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Herrick Tunnel #37, 515', was near mile 1,790. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail St Joe MP 1,806.2 at 2,148' would have had substation #15 if the gap had been filled in the electrification.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Omega Tunnel #1 (#38) and #2 (#39) were never built. The numbers were reserved for both locations to straighten the line, but the money was never available. Omega Tunnel #1 (#38) would have been at mile 1,811.9Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Omega Tunnel #2 (#39) was never built, and was to be at mile 1,813.4.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
The Regulus stud mill just west of St. Maries is now marks the end of track.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
St. Maries is at mile 1,818.3 at 2,145' and was a crew change point after 1974. The St. Maries River Railroad operates from here east to Regulus, and south along the St. Maries River to Bovill. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail This photograph was taken in the area. rrpicturearchives.net
Lonnie King's photoessay, part 3, covers the St. Maries Branch and the rest of the mainline to the coast.themilwaukeeroadtrail Benewah Tunnel #40 (363') was near mile 1,825, just east of the long bridge over the south end of Chatcolet Lake. The 1% grade for eastbounds begins in the middle of the bridge. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail This photograph from 1962 shows an eastbound coming across the bridge about to enter the tunnel. The locomotives are wearing the old paint scheme with blue paint. rrpicturearchives.net
Several miles to the west is Peedee Viaduct.Wikimapia Plummer Junction mile 1,837.3 at 2,653' had a wye where the passenger line through Spokane left the mainline heading north. Substation #16 would have been built at this location. Union Pacific came to Plummer Junction from 3 directions as well. The Wallace branch from the east was along the north side of the ROW and a line to Tekoa in Washington State was along the north side of the ROW heading west. Union Pacific used the CMSP&P line for 19 miles to Manito and then the Milwaukee Road used UP through Spokane and then back to the mainline at Marengo. At this time the line to the north is owned by UP and St. Maries River Railroad owns the line to the east and the others are gone. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Watts Tunnel #41 at Sorrento mile 1,840 was 2,559' long.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft
WASHINGTON
Two sections remain in Washington State, accounting for only 41 of the 332 miles. Columbia Basin use 13 miles, from Warden to Othello. Union Pacific own 28 miles connecting Black River with Tacoma.This is Helmut Wisinger's guide to Washington State. webhome.idirect
The mainline across Washington State is now the John Wayne Trail. spokaneoutdoors.com CoastDivMapIn Tekoa mile 1,853.0 the mainline crossed over a Union Pacific line which has been abandoned as well. terraserver.microsoft themilwaukeeroadtrail In Seabury at mile 1,860.2 the CMSP&P crossed over a former Great Northern line that is long gone. terraserver.microsoft Rosalia tunnel #42 was daylighted in 1911. terraserver.microsoft terraserver.microsoft Rosalia was at mile 1,872.6 (2,250') the line crossed over a former Northern Pacific line which is now operated by the Palouse and Coulee City Railroad. A Great Northern line also passed under the Milwaukee Road here. Substation #17 would have been here. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Malden was at mile 1,881.7 (2,085') and was a crew change point in the middle of the gap between Avery and Othello. After 1974 this crew change was moved east to St. Maries. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Rock Lake Tunnel #1 (#43) was 756' long and at mile 1,892. terraserver.microsoft Rock Lake Tunnel #2 (#44) was 704' long at mile 1,894. terraserver.microsoft Castleton was near mile 1,907 and would have had substation #18. terraserver.microsoft Paxton at mile 1,915.1 (1,669') was where the CMSP&P passed under the Spokane, Portland and Seattle. The SP&S was abandoned in 1989. terraserver.microsoft Marengo mile 1,925.7 (1,656') was the connection with the Union Pacific where passenger trains through Spokane rejoined the mainline. terraserver.microsoft themilwaukeeroadtrail
West of Marengo was a long Viaduct over Cow Creek Coulee.terraserver.microsoft Ralston at mile 1,935.2 (1,665') would have been home for substation #19. terraserver.microsoft Lind at mile 1,949.7 (1,415') was where the CMSP&P crossed over the Northern Pacific mainline. terraserver.microsoft rrpicturearchives.net themilwaukeeroadtrail Roxboro at mile 1,962.6 would have had substation #20.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft At Warden mile 1,972.3 (1,279') The CMSP&P had branch lines to the north serving Moses Lake and Marcellus. Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft rrpicturearchivesThe Columbia Basin Railroad now operates the mainline from Warden to Othello as well as branchline track to Moses Lake. http://www.cbrr.com/ rrpicturearchives Othello was at mile 1,985.1 (1,075') and was the beginning of the Coast Division electrification. The Royal Slope Ry. has operated west from Othello to Royal City. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail mrcd.org
This is a photograph which shows U28B 5500 sitting in Othello. rrpicturearchives Taunton at mile 1,994.3 (856') was the location of substation #21. terraserver.microsoft rrpicturearchives.net Royal City Junction is near mile 2,006. During 1967 a 6.4 mile line was built north to Royal City. Wikimapia rrpicturearchives.net Beverly was at mile 2,022.9 (532') on the east bank of the Columbia River. The United States Government did make some use of the line from Royal City Junction during the 1980s to service the Priest Rapids Dam. On the west bank of the river is Beverly Junction with the mainline which headed north and a branch to Hanford which headed south to Hanford. terraserver.microsoft Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail This is a photograph of SW1200 618 at Beverly. rrpicturearchives
The lengthy Columbia River Bridge is still in place.Wikimapia Doris was at mile 2,029.1 (1,106') on the 2.2% climb up the Saddle Mountains. Substation #22 was located here.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft East of Boylston (MP 2,041.7) was the 1973' Johnson Creek Tunnel #45. terraserver.microsoft At Renslow the CMSP&P passed over Interstate 90. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail Kittitas was at mile 2,052.3 (1,645') and was the location of substation #23. Wikimapia themilwaukeeroadtrail From Ellensburg the Milwaukee Road followed the Northern Pacific west. Near mile 2,065 the CMSP&P crossed over the Northern Pacific Stampede Pass line. Wikimapia rrpicturearchives.net Horlick Tunnels #46 and #47 were along the Yakima River between Thorp and Horlick. The BNSF line is along the east and north bank of the river. Wikimapia Wikimapia
Cle Elum was at mile 2,084.0 (1,944') and was where crews changed between Othello and Tacoma or Seattle. Substation #24 was here as well. terraserver.microsoft themilwaukeeroadtrail Easton at mile 2,095.6 (2,150) had a wye and now BNSF has a wye crossing the CMSP&P. terraserver.microsoft Easton Tunnel #48 was near mile 2,096. terraserver.microsoft theslowlane.com Burlington Northern purchased the mainline over Snoqualmie Pass from Easton through Cedar Falls (MP 2,134.8) to Maple Valley (2,151.8). BN never used the line east of Cedar Falls and during 1987 they decided to scrap the line. A connection was built in September at Hubner near mile 2,098 to allow removal of the rail east of Snoqualmie Tunnel. terraserver.microsoft Whittier Tunnel #49 was near mile 2,104 and is in the lower right corner of this image. The east entrance to BNSF's Stampede Tunnel can be seen on the left. terraserver.microsoft Hyak was at mile 2,113.0 (2,570') and was home to substation #25. The east entrance to Snoqualmie tunnel is at the top left corner of this image. terraserver.microsoft themilwaukeeroadtrail Snoqualmie Tunnel #50 was 11,888' long, longest on the CMSP&P. After the mainline opened in May 1909 this tunnel was built from 1912 to 1914. The original line crested the summit at 3,010' two miles north of the tunnel using grades up to 2.75% and 1,239 degrees of curvature. The new summit was 2,562', saving 448'. terraserver.microsoft This is the eastern entrance to Snoqualmie Tunnel. rr-fallenflags.org The CMSP&P followed the Snoqualmie River west from the tunnel on a grade of 1.74% from Rockdale to Cedar Falls. Near mile 2,120 was this curved trestle over Hansen Creek. terraserver.microsoft Burlington Northern's plans of using the Snoqualmie Pass line were thwarted by a slide which took out the middle spans of the trestle over Hull Creek, near mile 2,128.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Cedar Falls was at mile 2,134.8 (937') and was the junction with the line north to Everett. This was also the location of substation #26. Burlington Northern used the line from Maple Valley through here and then north 11 miles to serve a mill until 1990. terraserver.microsoft
This is an article about the CMSP&P in Cedar Falls.scn.org/cedar_butte Bagley Junction was at mile 2,138.8 and the start of a 13 mile branch to Enumclaw. terraserver.microsoft
Landsburg Tunnel #51 was bypassed with a 1945 line change.Wikimapia
Noble Tunnel #52 was the last tunnel on the mainline from Chicago, and was daylighted during 1912.WikimapiaMaple Valley was at mile 2,151.8 and from here into Seattle the CMSP&P used the track of the Pacific Coast Railroad. The PCR was purchased by the Great Northern during 1956.Wikimapia terraserver.microsoft Renton was at mile 2,162.1 and the home of substation #27. After 1970 the CMSP&P received trackage rights over BN from Renton north to Bellingham. Wikimapia This is a Spirit of Washington dinner train in Renton Wikimapia Black River Junction was at mile 2,164.5. From here Milwaukee Road trains could stay on the PCRR-GN-BN and go north to Seattle or regain CMSP&P rails south to Tacoma. Wikimapia The CMSP&P operated on the Pacific Coast Railroad (later GN and BN) from Black River up to Argo at mile 2,170.5 where it switched to Union Pacific tracks. terraserver.microsoft Stacy Street Yard was at mile 2,172.9. terraserver.microsoft Union Pacific's Union Station in Seattle was at mile 2,173.9, just east of the Hill Line's King Street Station. Milwaukee Road passenger service to Seattle and Tacoma came to an end when the last Olympian Hiawatha left Minneapolis on May 22, 1961. Wikimapia Union Station opened in 1911. historylink.org This photograph of U25B 5007 from 1970 looks like the Tacoma area to me. rr-fallenflags.org At Tacoma Junction mile 2,190.7 (under the north end of the Interstate highway bridge) the Tacoma Hill line branched off and crossed the Puyallup River. Tacoma Jct. was also the location of substation #28. Union Pacific crosses the River just east of the Interstate Bridge, at the bottom of this image. The substation was at the right hand edge, north of the tracks. Wikimapia Substation
This is a photograph of E23B in Tacoma in the Union Pacific passenger scheme. rrpicturearchives Tideflats Yard was between the Puyallup River and the Sitcum Waterway (now the APM Terminal). Most of the Milwaukee Waterway has been filled in. Wikimapia Things looked a little different in 1990. terraserver.microsoft
The first leg of the line from Tacoma to Portland was built by the Tacoma and Eastern Railroad during 1900. The T&E played a key role in the history of the Mount Rainer area. nps.gov/archive
Tacoma Hill was the steepest grade on the Milwaukee Road, at 3.67 %.Wikimapia
Tacoma Rail now owns the CMSP&P track in Tacoma and south to Chehalis. tacomarail.com
The Chehalis Western Railroad operated the trackage from 1980 until 1992.trainweb.org
The Tacoma and Eastern built south from Tacoma through Elbe to Morton. The Mt. Rainer Scenic Railroad runs passenger trains on the south end of the line. mrsr.com/home
On December 31, 1918, the T&E was acquired by the Milwaukee Road. From Frederickson the CMSP&P built their line to Chehalis.Wikimapia
The Chehalis Western used Western Junction as a base for operations and was the location of their shops.Wikimapia
CMSP&P SW1200 630 was at Western Junction on September 11, 1976.rrpicturearchives
The Milwaukee Road branch to Aberdeen started in Maytown.Wikimapia
At Blakeslee Junction near Centralia the CMSP&P crossed over Burlington Northern and Union Pacific lines, both heading for Aberdeen.Wikimapia rrpicturearchives
The Milwaukee Road reached Chehalis and then turned west towards the Pacific and the town of Raymond. Wikimapia
Trackage rights were obtained over Northern Pacific from Chehalis to Longview Junction during 1931.Wikimapia
The Milwaukee Road received trackage rights from Longview Jct. to Portland as a result of the Burlington Northern merger. The first train crossed the Columbia River on March 23, 1971.Wikimapia
OREGONThe Burlington Northern and Southern Pacific lines used by the Milwaukee Road in Oregon remain in use by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific.xThe rights on Burlington Northern ended at Portland Union Station. From there rights were acquired over Union Pacific's Steel Bridge to reach Southern Pacific.Wikipedia Wikimapia
The end of the line was Southern Pacific's Brooklyn Yard.Wikimapia
http://www.mrcd.org/ http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/milw/milw.html
LocoPhotos http://www.milwest.org/ http://www.trainweb.org/milwaukee/homepage.html
http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=873
http://www.wwvrailway.com/milwauke.htm
http://www.themilwaukeeroadtrail.org/Current/RoadTrips/King_LT/LonniesTrip_July.html http://www.nwlink.com/~kruegerp/milw/1927_division.htm http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoList.aspx?id=MILW http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/rsList.aspx?id=MILW
http://donsdepot.donrossgroup.net/indexmil.htm http://www.mrha.com/ http://www.brian894x4.com/index.html http://www.mtnwestrail.com/gallery.htm http://www.angelfire.com/mt/sd40
http://www.freewebs.com/cmstpp/
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/308087/ShowPost.aspx
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/309802/ShowPost.aspx
http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/788857/ShowPost.aspx
Dale's Trackside Guides#1-Mississippi River CrossingsThis is a study of the Railroad crossings over the Mississippi River. #2-Amtrak's Current Routes A detailed accounting of which railroad owns every mile of track used by Amtrak.
#3-Class 1 Railroads in the 1950s A summary of the 127 class 1 railroads in 1950.
#4-The Milwaukee Road MainlinePoints of interest on the CMSP&P mainline from Chicago to Seattle and Portland.
#5-Montana Rail Link, I&MRL and IC&E Rosters
#6-GP30 Ownership A simple rundown of the dozens of owners of GP30 locomotives.
#7-Amtrak's Original Routes A look at the routes used by Amtrak on May 1st, 1971.
#8-Continental Divide Crossings A summary of the railroad crossings of the Continental Divide in North America
#9-Iowa's Counties A listing of the railroads operating in Iowa's 99 Counties today and in 1985 and 1930.
#10-America's Regional Railroads A look at the 62 current and former Regional Railroads in the United States
#11-AC Ownership Owners of locomotives with AC traction motors
#12-Ohio's Counties A listing of the railroads operating in Ohio's 88 Counties today and in 1985 and 1930.
#13-1980 A look at the events that took place during 1980 affecting America's railroads.
#14-Pieces of the RockSurviving rail lines and locomotives of the Rock Island Railroad.
#15-Amtrak's Abandoned RoutesA State by State list of routes previously used by Amtrak.
#16-Missouri River CrossingsA study of the Railroad crossings over the Missouri River.
Dale's Nexus
QUOTE: Originally posted by glennbob THIS is a great posting i am supprised no one has commented on it by now. glennbob
Thanks for the info. This will help a bit on my website.
That must have taken you quite a while to type up.
James
CMSTPP wrote: Thanks for the info. This will help a bit on my website. That must have taken you quite a while to type up.
Thanks James. I think it would have taken longer to drive the route.
Nice website. www.freewebs.com/cmstpp/
nanaimo73 wrote: CMSTPP wrote: Thanks for the info. This will help a bit on my website. That must have taken you quite a while to type up. Thanks James. I think it would have taken longer to drive the route. Nice website. www.freewebs.com/cmstpp/
Thanks allot of it still being worked on but I will hopefully have most of it done by the end of August.
I don't know what it is about the Milwaukee road that sparked me to like it so much. It was just a cool railroad.
I've never seen that Brian. Can you see the replies after my posts ? Does the refresh button help ?
If I get my next one done, Marion will be near the top.
On this particular thread, I can view all the responses without any problem- it's just the stuff towards the bottom of your initial post that gets screwed up. It's almost as if the sheer length of the post makes my browser (Firefox) choke on it. I have noticed that the Iowa's Counties thread gives me trouble viewing the responses as well. I'll go back and verify that.EDIT: OK, went over to that thread and experimented- when I initially opened the first page of the thread, it acted as noted above, except that the responses were all blank. The posts were there and identified who put them there, and the post boxes were the correct size near as I could tell, but there was NOTHING in them. I left the last post on the page showing on the screen and hit Refresh. Voila! Text returns to posts visible on the screen. I scrolled up and discovered that on the eighth post up (which coincidentally was my first post in that thread), text in the posts started getting messed up (overrunning the post windows, repeating lines, overlapping repeating quote boxes). I hit the refresh button again with that post on the screen, after which ALL of the responses appeared to be OK, except for minor screw-ups in the thread title displayed above each post. As soon as I scrolled up to your initial main post, though, I enter stuttering mode again.
EDIT #2: Closed Firefox and accessed this thread using IE. Problem solved.