In the late 1890s, the Union Pacific, Northern Pacific, and Great Northern Railways had a firm grip on all West Coast rail traffic.
In 1905, Milwaukee Road officials voted to extend the line into Seattle, securing Pacific Coast markets.
As the Milwaukee built into Montana, numerous obstacles emerged; frigid winter temperatures and steep mountain grades challenged steam-powered operations.
In the early 1910s, electric locomotives became a viable alternative for steam engines in long-haul rail.
Arcadia Publishing (sc) The milwaukee connection: spokane to butte, paperback/dale w. jones
