Milwaukee Road in Montana “Last days of the Electrics”

Today, it’s a fallen flag railroad, but it was once one of the most unique rail lines in the United States. The Milwaukee Road, which ran from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, operated as an electrified line in Montana up until June of 1974.

Photographer Ted Pope captured the last 4 days of the electric operations before the line switched to full diesel operations. The territory you will see in this video runs between Deer Lodge and Harlowton, Montana. Several scenes feature in-cab footage in the Little Joe’s as the trains travel through Sixteen Mile Canyon and the scenic Jefferson Canyon. They’re places so remote, you can only see them by rail!

Get ready to enjoy historic footage of these magnificent electric locomotives pulling heavy freight across the beautiful Montana Mountain landscape!

For Milwaukee Road fans, this era represents the Milwaukee at its best! Be a part of this historic time period and enjoy the great action of The Milwaukee Road in Montana!