Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1934-09-15
Helena Was Highly Elated
When First Trains Arrived

columns with accounts Of what the rail-
road was doing or what it was about
to do.
It furnished a favorite amusement
to drive down to the station, watch the
trains roll in, comment on the size Of
the engine and the number Of cars and
note the appearance Of passengers who
alighted.
All this would have been incompre-
hensible to residents of older commu-
mites far removed from memories of
pioneer days. There was nothing strange
about it to those living there. Gone now
forever we're the covered wagon and
the stagecoach that had heretofore
furnished the connecting link between
the mountain city and the east, or
'the states" as 1t was generally termed,
and to intervening points. It seemed
almost too good to be true that now
trips in that direction could be made
at an unprecedented rate Of speed as
compared with old modes of travel, and
the reader may be sure that those nv-
ing at Helena were quick to observe the
difference. I quote from the Herald Of
Aug. 80 in proof Of the statement:
THE trip to the Geysers which the
local staff Of the Herald and a party Of
ladies and gentlemen made on horse
back and with pack mules from Fort /
Ellis in 1873, when It took them four
days over q bride trail from that point
TO reach the Mammoth Hot springs is
now made from Helena TO the springs
by rail and coach in less than 16
hours"
People Wen Travelled
This information regarding the coach
trip was given the Herald reporter by
Mike Renig, who had Just returned
from there. His reminder Of the past
was the stagecoach that carried pas
sengerS from Gardiner TO the springs.
A stranger visiting Helena at this
lime might have thought enthusiasm
# its citizens at the coming of the
Northern Pacific arose from their lack
If knowledge Of railroads. IN this sup
POSITION he would have been mistaken.
Residents Of Helena were great trav-
,lers. even when it took two weeks Of
'tage journeying by day and night to-
each q railroad. They were quite ia
niliar with railroads elsewhere, but
lot at Helena One In the Rockies was
till novelty.
Many years had elapsed since a
ranscontinental road had been built,
md the first one came In the nature
# a compromise. The route selected
vas determined upon, not as the best,
,ut as lying midway between north
md south.
The Stevens survey demonstrated de-
stability Of a more northern route
This the south, then IN power, was not
Wiling to grant. Jefferson Davis, Nc
Iceland and Lander opposed it. Now,
fter q wearying period OF longing,
dontana had found place ON the rail-
Vay map and not through branch
Inc. Helena would become an impor-
ant way station when the gap closed
'etween eastern and western divisions
t spike driving ceremonies.
Already from New York the railroad
ompany had issued formal Invitations
o a favored few 70 be present at this
vent, which was expected to take
lace the first week Of September. Pri- !
ate cars were to be attached to trains (
long the way for accommodation Of {
'uests, and an extended program for !
heir entertainment prepared, as for
Example.
Leave Billings at 1880 a. m, reach
ng Graycliff at p m. Here about (
wo hours win be devoted 70 witness |
az a war dance By the tribes Of In
Iians inhabiting the Grow reservation. !
cave Graycliff ct y. M, crossing the
BELT range OF mountains, over the Boze-
nan tunnel at 8 p. IA. and arrive at
Helena at / D. n, and remain over {
iight.r
Then followed & whole day IN ''visit- I