Abstract

Charles Power (1868-1953) was a Helena, Montana, attorney and businessman, and son of Thomas C. Power. Collection (bulk, 1870s-1950s) includes incoming correspondence (1881-1953), diaries (1929-1949), subject files, and miscellany. There are also subgroups for family members and for several businesses of Power's.

Abstract Thomas C. Power (1829-1923) came to Montana Territory in 1866 and established a successful mercantile and transportation network in and around Fort Benton serving miners, military posts, Indian tribes of the region, and local residents. In partnership with others he developed a transportation network of steamboats along the Upper Missouri as well as overland stage and freight routes. He moved his corporate headquarters to Helena in 1878 and had an interest in politics that paralleled his...

Abstract

This collection consists of photographs of railroads in Montana including construction sites and work crews; locomotive engines, freight cars, passenger cars, and stock cars; track lines, bridges, tunnels, and rail yard facilities; train wrecks; trains in snow; and special events like last spike and first train ceremonies.

Abstract The Rocky Fork and Cooke City Railway Company (RF & CC) was formed in 1886 to construct a standard-gauge rail line from the Northern Pacific main line at Tilden, Montana Territory, along Rock Creek, to the rich coal fields near Red Lodge. Principal backers included James Platt, Hamilton Browne, James Hubbel, Walter Cooper, and Samuel Word. In 1889 Samuel Hauser contracted with Green and Keefe, to finish all remaining work. The line was completed in April 1889 and acquired by the Northern...

Abstract

These U.S. Federal Power Commission records consist of hearing materials in a case involving the failure of the Montana Power Company to apply for a license to operate its hydroelectric dams on the Missouri River and tributaries. Exhibits in the case (including steamboat logs, diaries, articles, clippings, etc.) sought to document whether the Missouri River was navigable above Fort Benton. [FPC Docket #IT-5840.]