Northern Pacific Railroad Completion Site

The Northern Pacific Railroad Completion Site marks where the eastern and western rail sections met and joined in 1883. The 2.5-acre grounds sit where Independence Creek flows into the Clark Fork River and are accessed from Interstate 90.

The site marks the moment in 1883 when the two rail sections were joined, creating a complete transcontinental railway route. Former President Ulysses S. Grant and Northern Pacific president Henry Villard conducted the completion ceremony, making it a significant national event.

This site marks where two regions of the country became linked by rail, enabling commerce and movement that shaped settlement patterns. You can see how this connection transformed what was possible for travelers and businesses across the continent.

The site is easy to reach from Interstate 90, where a wooden sign marks the location. The riverside setting makes visiting pleasant, especially during dry and mild weather.

The spike used in the completion ceremony was not gold but the same iron spike that started construction 13 years before in Minnesota. This connection between beginning and ending makes the event a meaningful bookend for the entire construction effort.

Location: Powell County

GPS coordinates: 46.55083,-112.86000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20