June 19, 1938 Olympian Train Disaster

It was seventy-five years ago today that a flash flood on Custer Creek in Eastern Montana weakened a trestle and caused the worst train disaster in Montana History. When the Milwaukee Railroad's luxurious Olympian reached the weakened trestle it gave way and several cars were swept away by the swollen creek.

An account of the Olympian Disaster can b found in my book, Montana Disasters, Floods, Fires and Other Catastrophes which is available at bookstores and libraries in many locations throughout the state or online. 

Back in 1938, there wasn't the same kind of warning systems that we have in place today.  When the railroad employee checked the tracks just hours before the disaster there was nothing to indicate that a storm  was brewing upstream, intense enough to turn Custer Creek into a raging wall of water.  We are lucky enough today to have easy access to National Weather Service Flash Flood warnings at our finger tips.  

Ghost Signs

An interesting aspect of some of Montana's historical towns are usually overlooked or I suppose I should say under-looked.  That is to say the if you don't look up, you might miss some interesting ghost signs.  Butte has a bunch of ghost signs and so does my home town of Livingston Montana.  These signs painted on the buildings that once housed the businesses advertised are the only thing that is left of the original occupants. Ghost signs are most commonly found on brick structures but I suppose you might find them on any surface that has withstood the elements.


These are some of the ghost signs found in Livingston:

Last Chance Tour Train, Helena

It summer time again and for many of us that means vacations or long weekends to travel.  For those of you who have never spent any time in Helena Montana, you are missing a great historical destination.  If your visit falls on any day but Sunday, be sure to check out the Last Chance Tour Train.  It departs from in front of the Montana Historical Society Museum for one hour tours that provide an overview of the city.  If you only have a few hours to spend in Helena, the time would be well spent at the Museum and a ride on the Tour Train.  If you are lucky enough to be spending a day or two, the tour will give you an idea of where you might want to spend more time exploring. The "engineer" also serves as the the tour guide and every time we have taken the tour, the guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining.

For more information about the Last Chance Tour Train and other tour information I suggest visiting their website for tour details, schedules and contact information.

http://www.lctours.com

For visitors with disabilities, the museum is handicapped accessible but the tour train is less so.  My husband Frank was able to board the train with his walker and a little help, but special arrangements would be necessary for anyone with mobility issues.