General Electric Company's "Proposal for Electrification of Rocky Mountain Division, Three Forks-Deer Lodge", 1914-1915

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway Company
Title
General Electric Company's "Proposal for Electrification of Rocky Mountain Division, Three Forks-Deer Lodge"
Dates
1914-1915 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.2 linear ft.
Collection Number
Mss 372
Summary
The collection consists of one bound journal containing General Electric's proposal to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St Paul Railway to electrify the line between Three Forks and Deer Lodge, Montana. The 133 page proposal includes maps, road profiles, photos, and cost analysis dating from 1914 to 1915.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of the K. Ross Toole Archives, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.

Additional Reference Guides

Finding aid in the repository.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

In 1912, the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway announced its decision to operate on hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power or electrification was a highly cost-efficient power source and companies throughout the U.S. converted their steam-powered engines to it. The Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway began its electrification project on the 113-mile stretch between Three Forks and Deer Lodge, Montana. The General Electric Company submitted a proposal to design the locomotives, as well as supply the motors and electrical components for the new trains; its offer was accepted and it became the sole provider of electrical equipment to the railway. In addition to designing the engines, General Electric created the regenerative braking system; this system allowed the locomotive to hold the train back while descending steep grades and fed the unused power currents back into the engine. The system allowed for efficient use of power and was so successful that all subsequent electric locomotives incorporated it into their design. The company debuted its first electrified train, the 10200 Locomotive, on the Three Forks-Deer Lodge line in 1915. The Three Forks-Deer Lodge line, also known as the Rocky Mountain Division, provided fast and cost-efficient incoming and outgoing transportation to Montana.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection consists of one bound journal containing General Electric's proposal to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St Paul Railway to electrify the line between Three Forks and Deer Lodge, Montana. The 133 page proposal includes maps, road profiles, photos, and cost analysis dating from 1914 to 1915.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], General Electric Company's "Proposal for Electrification of Rocky Mountain Division, Three Forks-Deer Lodge" Papers, K. Ross Toole Archives, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Custodial History

The collection was likely in the possesion of Harvey R. Morgan prior to Bill Morgan's ownership.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Bill Morgan, 1977.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Railroads--Montana--Electrification

Corporate Names

  • Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway Company
  • General Electric Company

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top