From the Archives - March 24, 2022
This 1913 photo shows the steam shovel being unloaded from a railcar at Leonia near the Idaho-Montana state line.
(Photo courtesy BOUNDARY COUNTY MUSEUM)
In 1913, the Idaho Gold & Ruby Mining Co. ordered a steam shovel, "Shovel No. 2," which was delivered by the Great Northern Railway Company. This photo shows the steam shovel being unloaded from a railcar at Leonia near the Idaho-Montana state line.
The shovel "made its way uphill, constructing a road to the bench one-thousand feet above — creating several switchbacks. Once on top, a road was built to Boulder City. The project took two summers to complete. Ladders were built between the switchbacks so walkers could climb the hill more quickly." — Small Towns, Big Dreams
The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sponsors this column.
Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you can visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.