The development of farming some 10,000 years ago dramatically changed human cultures. More recently, the expansion of European settlement into the North American West and the displacement of the ancient Native American cultures was driven in part by farming and the ability of transcontinental railroads to bring Western agricultural products to market. Today, many of the history museums in the West—Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia—feature displays of antique farming equipment. Some of these museum displays are shown below.
Sherman County Historical Museum, Moro, Oregon
This award-winning museum has several excellent farming displays.
Powerland Heritage Park, Brooks, Oregon
Presby House Museum, Goldendale, Washington
The annex to this museum includes several pieces of farm equipment.
Fort Steele Heritage Village, British Columbia
This museum includes outside displays of farm equipment.
Antique Caterpillar Machinery Museum, Brooks, Oregon
Swan Valley Historical Museum, Condon, Montana
Miracle of America Museum, Polson, Montana
This museum includes a collection of farm marchinery.
Heritage Museum, Libby, Montana
This museum has displays of farm equipment, logging equipment, and heavy machinery on the museum grounds.
LeMay Family Collection, Tacoma, Washington
While the primary focus of this museums is on automobiles, there is some farm machinery displayed outside.
East Benton County Historical Society and Museum, Kennewick, Washington
This museum has some farm artifacts just outside the museum.
Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, The Dalles, Oregon
Museums 201
Museums 201 is a series of museum photo tours which presents displays from several museums. More from this series:
Museums 201: Ancient Beds (photo diary)
Museums 201: Model railroad dioramas (photo diary)
Museums 201: Wood-fired kitchen ranges (photo diary)
Museums 201: Washing machines (photo diary)
Museums 201: Electric ranges and refrigerators (photo diary)
Museums 201: Wood-fired heating stoves (photo diary)
Museums 201: The blacksmith shop (photo diary)
Museums 201: Gas stations and garages (photo diary)