ROTATING EXHIBITS

LINEN MAP RAIL NAVIGATION SURVEYS

COEUR D'ALENE RAIL & NAVIGATION

This exhibit highlights two original linen maps of the Coeur d’Alene Rail and Navigation railroad and Northern Pacific, signed by D.C. Corbin.

OLD CATALDO MISSION TO WALLACE

They begin at the old Cataldo Mission, follow the river, and wind along the Silver Valley through Wallace.

LINEN SURVEY TRACINGS

The tracings of these maps line the wall and stretch throughout the walls of the room.

RAIL ROUTES THROUGH THE SILVER VALLEY

These maps show the route of the Northern Pacific through the Silver Valley. Come see for yourself how long they are!

THE 1903 “S” BRIDGE AVALANCHE

FEBRUARY 10, 1903

On this day in 1903, a snow slide (avalanche) wiped out the “S” bridge east of Mullan, Idaho. Part of a Northern Pacific passenger train was swept into the gulch 75 feet below. The train consisted of a rotary snow plow; a pushing engine; the passenger engine, two passenger cars; and a caboose. As the snow slide swept down the narrow gorge, it tore out the trestle structure.

NORTHERN PACIFIC "S" BRIDGE

A car containing eight people dangled perilously from “a single coupling pin,” on the “S” Bridge in Mullan, ID a north Idaho newspaper reported. The “bridge” was a single track timber trestle some 300 feet long. It was built on a reverse or ogee curve which allowed for the necessary grade percentage for trains to make their climb up and over Lookout Pass on the Idaho side.

ELEVEN HOUR RESCUE

Seven railroad workers were injured. It took eleven hours to free them from the wreckage. The deep bed of snow into which one of the cars fell cushioned the fall. This saved the lives of those who underwent the 80-foot drop into the Willow Creek drainage. The injured men were carried three miles to the hospital on “hand sleighs.”

A NARROW ESCAPE

One frightened passenger in one of the cars ahead lept into the gorge below into the soft snow. The other passengers in the rear car climbed into the car ahead with no injuries more serious than the fright of their narrow escape. A local photographer, likely Nellie Stockbridge, traveled from a studio in Wallace to the wreck site to capture the compelling images.

Learn More About The Routes

SILVER VALLEY NARROW GAUGE

The Northern Pacific Depot Museum is the perfect meeting spot and jump off point to explore the trails. The Wallace region abounds with recreational opportunities. Ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes or the Route of the Hiawatha. Hike the Pulaski Trail. Explore Historic Wallace. Visit the ghost town of Burke. Then meet back at the Museum to tell us about your adventures! If you need directions or information, just ask! We’re happy to help.