Currently tucked near the big train doors on Track #3 in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, the tiny Minnetonka has over a century of train stories to share. It is 0-4-0 "tank" steam locomotive and was the first locomotive on the Northern Pacific. It arrived in Duluth in 1870 to haul track materials and supplies while track builders pushed westward.

Photo: Historical image of the Minnetonka engine hauling logs on newly completed Northern Pacific track.

Great photo! The area North of Isabella is rich in train history as well. The town of "Forest Center" was built completely by RR and thrived for years until the timber ran out. The town was disassembled, loaded onto the cars and moved closer to Duluth and reassembled. The last train pulled the tracks behind them as they left but many of the old grades still exist in the area.

cool old photo

thanks for posting

Thanks

History

Still some old grade left in areas by Effie and northwards. Found some of my original place was built on top of light gauge rails. Still have those lengths stacked up near the outbuildings.

Osky

Great pic Scott. A grandfather of mine was a logger back then until he took all his outer hand off including all fingers. Then he became a camp cook.

That's really cool Osky