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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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204 results for: Railroads

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Image of Snoqualmie Mill Company train engine, circa 1890
Photograph

Snoqualmie Mill Company train engine, circa 1890

Though unattributed, the photograph was probably taken by Seattle photographer John P. Soule.
ID Number:2011.26.7.36
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Edgecomb and Moore log train at Ballard trestle, circa 1890
Photograph

Edgecomb and Moore log train at Ballard trestle, circa 1890

Though unattributed, the photograph was probably taken by Seattle photographer John P. Soule.
ID Number:2011.26.7.39
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Northern Pacific Railway, Yellowstone Park Line menu, June 1910
Menu

Northern Pacific Railway, Yellowstone Park Line menu, June 1910

This lunch menu features cold dishes for hot days, June 15 to September 15. The front cover says "Just a Bite for Lunch" and shows an apple with a bite taken out of it. Apples were frequently used on advertisements for the railroad going to Washington State.
ID Number:2014.3.1.70
Date:1910
Image of Northern Pacific Railway, Yellowstone Park Line menu, circa 1910
Menu

Northern Pacific Railway, Yellowstone Park Line menu, circa 1910

This dining car menu features a "Great Big Baked Potato" on its cover. In 1909, Northern Pacific served its first oversized baked potato on their North Coast line, utilizing a special rack with spikes to cook inexpensive extra large Yakima Valley potatoes on board the train. The dish became part of Northern Pacific's marketing and even led the North Coast…
ID Number:2014.3.1.71
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Northern Pacific Railway, Yellowstone Park Line salad menu, circa 1920
Menu

Northern Pacific Railway, Yellowstone Park Line salad menu, circa 1920

The Northern Pacific Railway Dining Car Department issued this salad menu in June 1915. The cover shows a bunch of celery, as salads are the sole offerings.
ID Number:2014.3.1.72
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Map Showing Northern Pacific Railroad with Branches and Connecting Lines in Washington Ter., 1887
Cartographic material

Map Showing Northern Pacific Railroad with Branches and Connecting Lines in Washington Ter., 1887

The Northern Pacific Railway was chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1864 with the goals of connecting the Great Lakes with Puget Sound, and linking Oregon and Washington with the rest of the country. This map of the Northern Pacific Railroad and connecting lines covers an area from the south of Portland and the Columbia River well into British…
ID Number:2015.60.1
Date:1887
Image of Swedish-American family on porch of house, circa 1925
Photograph

Swedish-American family on porch of house, circa 1925

Between 1890 and 1910, large numbers of Swedes immigrated to the greater Seattle area. Swedes worked in the woods around Preston and High Point, in the Ballard mills, on the railroads building tunnels and laying tracks, in construction (contributing both labor and architectural skills), in the mines at Coal Creek, on the docks on Seattle's waterfront, and as farmers around…
ID Number:2016.59.66
Date:Circa 1925
Image of Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway train at Issaquah depot, circa 1890
Photograph

Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway train at Issaquah depot, circa 1890

The Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway incorporated in 1885 when a group of businessmen, headed by Thomas Burke, decided to invest in a line to connect downtown Seattle with points east. By 1889 the railroad had reached Snoqualmie Falls, where it linked to a northbound line. This photo shows a passenger train at the depot in Issaquah. Stamped on…
ID Number:2016.81.1
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Two men standing on Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern railway drawbridge across Snohomish River, circa 1890
Photograph

Two men standing on Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern railway drawbridge across Snohomish River, circa 1890

The Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway incorporated in 1885 when a group of businessmen, headed by Thomas Burke, decided to invest in a line to connect downtown Seattle with points east. By 1889 the railroad had reached Snoqualmie Falls, where it linked to a northbound line. This photo shows two men standing on the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern…
ID Number:2016.81.2
Date:Circa 1890
Image of Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway locomotive and passenger car, Seattle, circa 1890
Photograph

Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway locomotive and passenger car, Seattle, circa 1890

The Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway incorporated in 1885 when a group of businessmen, headed by Thomas Burke, decided to invest in a line to connect downtown Seattle with points east. By 1889 the railroad had reached Snoqualmie Falls, where it linked to a northbound line. A passenger station on Railroad Avenue and a working yard at Interbay formed…
ID Number:2016.81.4
Date:Circa 1890
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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