Entry - October 4, 1936

Well we got on the train for Fort Sheridan today and we are well across the state of Montana. Sure is kinda good to hear the old train chugging along.

(Headed towards ILLINOIS)

Robert

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Comments from Chris

Trains play an important role in the history of Glacier National Park. In 1891, the Great Northern Railway crossed the Continental Divide at Marias Pass which now is at the south end of the park. At that time, there was no park.

The Great Northern Railway was built by railroad tycoon James Hill in the 1800s. It was the only privately funded transcontinental railroad ever built. The rail line stretched from St. Paul, MN to Seattle, WA and had many contributing lines feeding it. When the line reached the area where the park currently is, Louis Hill, James' son, saw the value of bringing tourists to the area.

There was already an effort being made for the government to protect the land when the commercial interest joined in, it was enough boost for congress set the area as a forest preserve. This was 1897. In the years that followed, the railroad and other groups continued to lobby congress until in 1910 when the area was officially designated as a national park. 

During the 1910s the Great Northern Railway built several hotels and many chalets. An extensive marketing campaign was created to convince American tourists to come out west on their vacations instead of going to Europe. The investment made was key in getting the park started and building it in to what it is today.

This is where we find Robert today. Heading east on the Great Northern Railway.

Great Northern Railroad Railway postcard
Public Domain

Map of the Great Northern Railroad line from 1897
Public Domain

View of the Great Northern Railroad close to Marias Pass.
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