Location: Marias Pass, Glacier County
On September 17, 1893, the Great Northern Railway, under the leadership of James J. Hill, completed its transcontinental line across Montana, with the last spike being driven near present-day Scenic, Washington. While the final spike was driven outside of Montana, the completion of the Great Northern's line across the state was a monumental achievement that had a profound impact on its development. The railway, which traversed the northern part of Montana, opened up new areas for settlement and agriculture, and it provided a vital transportation link for the state's growing industries. The Great Northern's route, which included the spectacular Marias Pass, was a testament to the engineering prowess of the era. The completion of the railway solidified Montana's connection to the rest of the nation and played a crucial role in its economic and social transformation.