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This 1883 map and timetable of the Northern Pacific Railroad provides a detailed representation of the railway’s extensive network, connecting the Great Lakes region to the Pacific Northwest.

Serving as both a travel guide and promotional material, the document highlights the railroad’s significance in facilitating cross-continental travel, commerce, and settlement. The map side prominently showcases the Northern Pacific’s main line, running from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Portland, Oregon, and Tacoma, Washington, with additional branch lines and connections to other major railroads. It also indicates completed, under-construction, and projected routes, offering a comprehensive view of the network’s growth. Geographic features, state boundaries, and major cities are clearly labeled, illustrating the diverse terrain the railroad traverses.

On the reverse side, an extensive time schedule outlines the train routes, detailing departure and arrival times, distances, and key junctions. The timetable includes services operated by the Northern Pacific, the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company, and the Oregon & California Railroad, reinforcing the integrated nature of western rail travel. The promotional content on this side targets emigrants, settlers, and business travelers, emphasizing the railroad’s role in opening new opportunities in the western United States. Advertisements highlight reduced travel times and affordable fares for emigrants, positioning the Northern Pacific as the preferred route for those seeking new prospects in the expanding frontier.

Luxury rail travel is also promoted, with descriptions of Pullman sleeping cars and dining car services, showcasing the comfort and convenience offered to long-distance passengers. Additionally, economic opportunities in land acquisition, mining, and agriculture are featured, particularly in Minnesota, the Dakota Territory, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and California, reflecting the railroad’s role in fostering regional development. The mention of Yellowstone National Park in the timetable underscores the growing interest in rail-based tourism, as the Northern Pacific actively marketed itself as the primary gateway to America’s first national park.

Completed in 1883, the Northern Pacific Railroad was among the earliest transcontinental railways, playing a pivotal role in the economic and social transformation of the American West.