35 Facts About Northern Rail

The Birth of the Great Northern Railway

The Great Northern Railway (GN) was a key player in the development of the United States' railroad network. Its creation and expansion were driven by visionary leadership and strategic planning.

1. Creation and Founders: James J. Hill founded the Great Northern Railway in September 1889. Hill aimed to build a transcontinental railroad connecting the East Coast to the West Coast.

2. Route and Expansion: The GN's route stretched from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington. It was the northernmost transcontinental railroad in the U.S.

3. Predecessor Railroads: The GN was formed by merging several smaller railroads, including the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway, and the Montana Central Railroad.

4. Transcontinental Service: The GN was the sixth U.S. railroad to offer transcontinental service, completed in 1893 with the last spike driven at Scenic, Washington.

5. Land Grants: Unlike many railroads, the GN received almost no federal land grants, helping it avoid significant debt.

Overcoming Challenges and Economic Impact

The GN faced numerous challenges but played a crucial role in the economic development of the Western United States.

6. Panic of 1893: During the Panic of 1893, the GN faced economic difficulties. Hill reduced expenses, cut fares, and extended credit to maintain the railroad's value.

7. Employee Relations: Hill's cost-cutting measures led to strikes, but he eventually restored wages to pre-panic levels to boost morale.

8. Settlement and Immigration: The GN attracted settlers to the West by providing access to markets and even paying immigrant expenses from Europe.

9. Promotional Contests: The GN held contests for the largest farm animals and freight carload capacity to encourage settlement and railroad use.

10. Route Significance: The GN's route crossed the continental divide at Marias Pass, the lowest divide crossing south of the Canadian border.

Engineering Feats and Infrastructure

The GN's infrastructure included significant engineering achievements that facilitated its operations.

11. Cascade Tunnel: The GN's mainline crossed the Cascade Mountains through the Cascade Tunnel under Stevens Pass.

12. Seattle Terminal: The GN acquired 60 acres in Seattle for its terminal, which became a major hub for passenger and freight traffic.

13. Empire Builder Train: The GN's Empire Builder passenger train offered luxurious accommodations and a scenic route to the West Coast via Glacier National Park.

14. Streamliner Service: In 1947, the GN introduced streamliner service with 12-car trains and a powerful diesel-electric locomotive.

Mergers and Legacy

The GN's legacy continued through mergers and its lasting impact on the railroad industry.

15. Mergers and Successors: In 1970, the GN merged with three other railroads to form the Burlington Northern Railroad, later becoming part of BNSF Railway.

16. Historical Significance: The GN played a crucial role in developing cities like Seattle and Spokane, connecting them to the rest of the country.

17. Economic Impact: The GN hauled goods and passengers, encouraged immigration, and helped bring wheat harvests to market.

18. Iron Ore Deposits: The GN accessed large iron ore deposits in Northern Minnesota, moving significant tonnage for the iron and steel industry.

19. Diversified Traffic: The GN transformed from an agricultural hauler to a transcontinental carrier handling various types of freight.

Strategic Moves and Expansion

The GN's strategic moves and expansions ensured its growth and success.

20. Corporate Maneuvering: To reach the Puget Sound region, the GN formed the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway Company in 1905.

21. Track Mileage: By 1901, the GN's mileage exceeded 5,000 miles, and it jointly acquired control of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

22. Stevens Pass Improvement: In 1912, the Surrey cutoff reduced the transcontinental route by 52 miles, and improvements included electrification and tunnel construction.

23. James J. Hill's Leadership: Hill was known for his methodical and driven approach, creating one of America's great transportation companies.

24. Hill’s Retirement: Hill retired from active direction of the GN in 1912, marking the end of his involvement in the company.

Challenges and Modern Legacy

The GN faced operational challenges but left a lasting legacy in the railroad industry.

25. Hill’s Legacy: After Hill’s retirement, the GN continued to grow under new leadership, with Hill passing away in 1916.

26. Avalanche Disaster: A deadly avalanche in Wellington, Washington, in 1910 swept two GN trains off the tracks, killing 96 people.

27. Border Lines: Between 1891 and 1917, the GN built several branch lines across the Canadian border, serving cities like New Westminster and Vancouver.

28. Ferry Service: The GN provided ferry service from Port Guichon to Victoria and Vancouver Island, later extending its line to Vancouver.

29. Grandview Cut: The GN excavated the Grandview Cut between 1910 and 1913, giving it access to False Creek and opening Union Station in Vancouver in 1915.

30. Competing Services: The GN faced competition from a partnership between Northern Pacific and Canadian Pacific, offering superior service to Vancouver and Victoria.

31. Operational Challenges: Early GN operations faced equipment and infrastructure issues, but the railroad survived with a high operating ratio.

32. Government Involvement: The GN returned to private ownership in 1920 following the passage of the Transportation Act.

33. Last Expansion: The GN's last significant expansion was the "Inside Gateway," extending its line from Bend to Bieber, California, in 1931.

34. Golden Spike Ceremony: A formal Golden Spike ceremony in Bieber on November 10, 1931, marked the completion of the Inside Gateway extension.

35. Legacy in Modern Times: Today, much of the GN operates as part of BNSF Railway, with Amtrak continuing to offer service on the Empire Builder passenger train.

Northern Rail's Lasting Impact

Northern Rail, especially the Great Northern Railway, played a huge role in shaping the United States. From its transcontinental service to its economic contributions, it left a lasting mark on the country. James J. Hill's vision and leadership turned it into a powerhouse, connecting the East Coast to the West Coast and promoting settlement and development in the Western territories. The Empire Builder train and the Cascade Tunnel stand as testaments to its engineering feats and commitment to luxury travel. Even after merging into the Burlington Northern Railroad and later the BNSF Railway, Northern Rail's legacy continues. Today, Amtrak's Empire Builder keeps a piece of this history alive, offering a glimpse into the past while serving modern travelers. Northern Rail's story is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the enduring impact of railroads on American life.