Northern Pacific Railway

The Northern Pacific Railway was a major U.S. railroad that operated from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest, established in 1864. Its primary goal was to connect the Midwest with the West Coast, facilitating transportation of goods and passengers. The railway played a key role in westward expansion, economic development, and settlement of the region. It eventually merged with other railroads and became part of the Burlington Northern system in 1970. The Northern Pacific's extensive rail network helped integrate the economy across the northern U.S. and contributed significantly to the growth of cities and industries along its route.