{"id":72,"featured":0,"modified":"2026-09-07 04:39:38","latitude":46.87528850000000346653905580751597881317138671875,"longitude":-113.9917126000000280328094959259033203125,"title":"Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, Missoula","subtitle":"","fullsize":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/5e0ce8a4f1170b45f2e1fd5e28712612.jpg","address":"100 Railroad Street West, Missoula, Montana","all_locations":[],"zoom":16,"creator":["Montana National Register Sign Program"],"description":"When the tracks of the Northern Pacific reached Missoula in 1883, it was possibly the most significant event in the town’s history. Reliable transportation transformed the minor trade and lumber center to a major economic and commercial distribution hub for western Montana. The Northern Pacific constructed Missoula’s first depot in 1883. This temporary wooden structure was replaced with a fine new building in 1896, constructed by the Higgins brothers, who intended to turn it over to Northern Pacific officials in exchange for building costs. Just prior to completion, arson reduced the uninsured building to ruins. Several years later, the Northern Pacific built the present depot, which opened in 1901. The celebrated St. Paul architectural firm of Reed and Stem, which specialized in railroad depot design (and eventually designed over one hundred depots, as well as the engineering specifications for New York City’s Grand Central Station) drew the blueprints for this splendid symbol of Missoula’s importance. The brick depot, designed in simplified Renaissance Revival style, presides over Circle Square at the foot of the commercial district. Terra cotta roof tile, brick pilasters, and gently arched windows lend refined dignity. Terra cotta medallions, which enclose the Northern Pacific emblem, recall the original function of this commanding building, when the railroad reigned supreme.","sponsor":null,"accessinfo":"Private","lede":"","website":"","related_resources":["<a href=\"https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/ded0b81f-4cf7-403c-a6b5-7ada65fa4f61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read about the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, Missoula</a>","<a href=\"https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/a2a69062-952b-4a6c-9bd7-ba58b832bb10/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See photos of the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, Missoula</a>"],"factoids":[],"files":{"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/5e0ce8a4f1170b45f2e1fd5e28712612.jpg":{"id":6834,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, Missoula","description":"Front to side view of facade, facing northeast on North Higgins Avenue.  | Montana Historical Society | August 2026 | Arizona Duff","alt":"alt=&quot;&quot;","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/5e0ce8a4f1170b45f2e1fd5e28712612.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/417d4e8d7cea86838e7200f129355a08.jpg":{"id":6833,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, Missoula","description":"View of facade, facing north on North Higgins Avenue.  | Montana Historical Society | August 2026 | Arizona Duff","alt":"alt=&quot;&quot;","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/417d4e8d7cea86838e7200f129355a08.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/cf6705fdb87b5c1ec7103c307cd44cd4.jpg":{"id":231,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Northern Pacific Station at Missoula, Montana.","description":"Northern Pacific Station at Missoula, Montana.<br />\r\nCatalog # 957-413 | Montana Historical Society Research Center Photograph Archives, Helena, Montana | [no date] | Asahel Curtis","alt":"alt=&quot;&quot;","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/cf6705fdb87b5c1ec7103c307cd44cd4.jpg"},"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/fullsize/0d1edd915017bd0c36ad1c23ea6ee4cb.jpg":{"id":232,"mime-type":"image/jpeg","title":"Northern Pacific Passenger depot under construction","description":"Depot under construction. Missoula, Montana, 1890s. <br />\r\nMaloney Collection Missoula Bldgs NP Depot Box Loc to M | Montana Historical Society Research Center Photograph Archives, Helena, Montana | 1890s | Myrta Wright Stevens","alt":"alt=&quot;&quot;","thumbnail":"https://mail.historicmt.org/files/square_thumbnails/0d1edd915017bd0c36ad1c23ea6ee4cb.jpg"}}}