In 1863, placer gold was discovered in Alder Gulch in Montana and the rush to find the mother lode began. Nevada City and Virginia City soon became boom towns. The railroad later made it possible to transport the gold and to bring supplies in.
Between 1945 and 1978 Nevada City was restored as a living historical museum which includes over 100 buildings, most of which were moved to this site from other Montana locations and restored. Today the railroad transports tourists from nearby Virginia City to Nevada City.
The Depot
The depot was built in 1964 to the standard plans of the Great Northern Railway.
The Engine House
This building was built by the Montana Heritage Commission in 1998-99 in the style of a 1910 era railroad structure. It was constructed to protect the fully restored Baldwin Steam Locomotive No. 12. The locomotive was built in Philadelphia for freight service in Mexico. It originally burned wood, but about 1920 was converted to oil. Built in 1910, it was retired from service in 1957.
Railroad Cars
Museums 101
Museums 101 is a series of photo tours of museum exhibits. More from this series:
Museums 101: The Nevada City Blacksmith Shop (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Saddles and Boots in Nevada City (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Railroad Memorabilia (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Railroad Handcars and Motorcars (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Caboose (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Railroad (Photo Diary)