East Portal, Montana facts for kids
East Portal is a small, unincorporated community found in Mineral County, Montana, in the western part of the U.S. state of Montana. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county.
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History of East Portal
East Portal got its name because it was built near the eastern entrance, or "portal," of a very important railroad tunnel. This tunnel was a big part of the area's history.
The Famous Railroad Tunnel
The railroad tunnel near East Portal is officially known as the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, but many people also called it the Taft Tunnel. It was a huge project built by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, often called the "Milwaukee Road." This railroad wanted to create a direct route from the Midwest all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Building the Tunnel
Work on the St. Paul Pass Tunnel began in 1906. It was a very challenging job because workers had to dig through tough rock and deal with harsh weather in the mountains. Hundreds of people, including many immigrants, worked on building this tunnel. They used drills, dynamite, and a lot of hard work to create a path through the mountains. The tunnel was finished in 1908, and it was a major achievement for its time.
Life in a Railroad Town
East Portal grew up as a community for the workers who built and maintained the tunnel and the railroad tracks. It was a busy place with homes, stores, and other services needed by the railroad families. Life in East Portal was centered around the trains and the tunnel, which were vital for transporting goods and people across the country.
East Portal Today
After the Milwaukee Road stopped using the railroad line in the 1980s, East Portal became much quieter. Today, the old railroad bed, including the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, has been turned into a popular recreational trail called the "Route of the Hiawatha." This trail is famous for its scenic views and the long, dark tunnel that was once used by trains. Visitors can now bike or walk through the historic tunnel and explore the beautiful area that was once a bustling railroad community.
