View source for Northern Pacific Railroad



[[18 Oct 1882]] The first train crossed the bridge at Bismarck at 5:30. Final trial to take place on Saturday ([[21 Oct 1882]]). Five engines from the west and five from the east will meet on the bridge spanning the Missouri River at Bismarck, to test it and formally open it for traffic. It took three years to build the bridge.
[[18 Oct 1882]] White laborers constructing a line near Portland, OR went on strike, demanding $2.50/day. They "bounced" the Chinese because they wouldn't join the strike, and had several hundred "ex-convicts, fugatives from justice and desparadoes" among them. The company has telegraphed for replacement workers and government troops.

Reached Miles City in ?November 1882, Billings in spring of 1883, Livingston in the fall.