September 08

The completion of the Northern Pacific Railway connected the Great Lakes with the Pacific Coast, spanning over 1,900 miles of track. On this day in 1883, prominent dignitaries gathered at Gold Creek, Montana, where Ulysses S. Grant drove the final golden spike, symbolizing national unity and industrial progress. The new route facilitated the movement of goods, people, and mail, boosting settlement and commerce in the American Northwest. It opened new markets for agricultural products and raw materials while promoting tourism and urban growth. The project overcame challenges such as rugged mountains, harsh weather, and financial strains. The railway’s completion represented a milestone in America’s transportation and economic development, transforming the frontier landscape.

The Pines Express was a celebrated passenger train running between Manchester and Bournemouth for over a century. On its last run on the Somerset and Dorset line, it was fittingly powered by BR Standard Class 9F 92220 Evening Star, the final steam locomotive constructed by British Railways. This historic event symbolized the end of the steam era on one of Britain’s most beloved rural routes. Enthusiasts gathered to witness the farewell convoy, marking a poignant moment in rail transportation history. After this service, the Somerset and Dorset Railway gradually closed, and steam traction gave way to diesel and electric trains.