Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse
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View of the bunkhouse.
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | 526 Marie Ave South Cle Elum, Washington |
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| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad |
| Architectural style | 20th Century Vernacular |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000210 |
| Added to NRHP | March 31, 1989 |
The Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse is a special building built in 1909. It was made by a big train company called the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road. This building was a place for train workers to rest between their long shifts.
The bunkhouse was located in South Cle Elum, Washington. It was right next to the train yard, which is where trains are stored and repaired. The building has an L-shape and two floors, made mostly of wood. It was first built near the train station, but it was moved around 1920. This move happened because the railroad started using electricity for its trains and needed space for a power station. The bunkhouse kept housing train crews until 1974.
When the Milwaukee Road stopped running trains in Washington in 1980, the building was sold. New owners turned the bunkhouse into a bed and breakfast, a place where people can stay overnight and get breakfast. It was first designed with 28 bedrooms, but now it has 9 rooms. Today, it is called the Iron Horse Bed and Breakfast. You can rent rooms there, and they even have four old train cars called cabooses that you can stay in!
The Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse is important because it shows how railroads grew in Washington state. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
What Was the Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse?
The Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse was a dormitory, or sleeping place, for train workers. These workers, called train crews, needed a place to rest. They often worked long hours and needed to sleep before their next shift. The bunkhouse gave them a comfortable spot to stay right near their jobs.
Why Was It Built?
The Milwaukee Road built the bunkhouse in 1909. It was part of a larger plan to support their train operations. Having a place for crews to stay close by helped the railroad run smoothly. It meant workers could rest and be ready for their next journey.
Where Was It Located?
The bunkhouse was built in South Cle Elum, Washington. This town was an important "division point" for the railroad. A division point is a place where train crews change, and trains might be refueled or repaired. It was a busy hub for the Milwaukee Road.
How Did the Bunkhouse Change Over Time?
The Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse has seen many changes since it was first built. Its purpose and location have both been updated.
Moving the Building
When it was first built, the bunkhouse was near the train station. But around 1920, the Milwaukee Road decided to use electricity to power some of its trains. This change needed a special electric substation. To make space for this new power station, the bunkhouse was moved to its current spot, south of the train yard.
From Train Housing to Hotel
For many years, the bunkhouse served its original purpose. Train crews continued to use it until 1974. In 1980, the Milwaukee Road stopped its operations in Washington. The bunkhouse was then sold to private owners. They saw the potential in the old building and turned it into a bed and breakfast. This new life for the bunkhouse started with renovations. It went from having 28 small bedrooms to 9 larger, more comfortable rooms for guests.
Why Is This Building Important?
The Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse is more than just an old building. It tells a story about the history of trains and how they helped Washington state grow.
Connecting to Railroad History
The bunkhouse is a direct link to the Milwaukee Road, one of America's major railroads. It shows how these companies supported their workers. It also highlights the importance of places like South Cle Elum in the railroad network. The building helps us remember the hard work of train crews and the impact of railroads on our country's development.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its connection to railroad history, the Milwaukee Road Bunkhouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 31, 1989. This listing helps protect the building and recognize its importance. It means the bunkhouse is a special part of our history that should be preserved.
