THE MONTANA RAILROAD - "LAST SPIKE"
THE MONTANA RAILROAD - "LAST SPIKE"
(Montana – Railroad Photography) A panoramic photograph depicting the driving of the “last spike” for the Montana Railroad at Lewistown, Montana. A rare photo with a typed contemporary explanation of the photo stating “Driving last spike Lewistown Extension of Montana Railroad in Lewistown Mont. Oct. 30, 1903 at 4:15 P.M. Mayor Eldridge at left with spike maul.” The photo was taken near the First Avenue South train depot. In the left background can be seen the log cabin of Robert G. Jackson and Reservoir Hill.
Operating between the towns of Lewistown and Lombard, Montana, the Montana Railroad covered a distance of approximately 157 miles. At Lombard it connected with the national railway network via a connection with the Northern Pacific Railway. (Notice the Northern Pacific flatbed cars). Constructed between 1895 and 1903, the Montana Railroad operated independently until 1908 when it was purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, which was then in the process of constructing a new transcontinental line through the state of Montana.
Panoramic photograph, 8 x 19 ¾ inches. Backed by modern linen, repairing tears in the left and right edges and corners. A few minor and one more pronounced vertical discolorations to image area. However, even with this discoloration the total image can be viewed. A very scarce photo with only one being found at the Lewistown Public Library.
