Blueprints from the MilWest Collection

MilWest recently obtained from a generous donor, these blueprints that were produced by the railroad companies involved. They show details of the Milwaukee track that was constructed from Plummer Junction ID to Manito WA where it connected to the OWR&N track into Spokane from the south. The Milwaukee then ran with trackage rights over the OWR&N track to Dishman WA. At Dishman the Milwaukee went back to its own track westward through Spokane and into downtown Spokane WA where it shared the new Union Station with the OWR&N. Milwaukee passenger trains continued west over the newly constructed "Washy" line of the OWR&N coming into Spokane from the west. This line crossed the Milwaukee main line at Marengo WA. The Washy line was built in 1913-1914 in conjunction with the construction of the new Union Station. We will find the date references for the construction of the various Milwaukee track portions and update this page with them later.

While the Milwaukee had passenger trackage rights over the Washy line, they did not have freight trackage rights, therefore any Milwaukee freight over this line was on a rental or pay-as-you-go basis. That was the reason for the track scales at Marengo. Any Milwaukee freights over the Washy line had to be weighed so that proper charges could be assessed by the OWR&N. The two railroads also shared a two story passenger depot at Marengo with the Milwaukee on the upper level. The Milwaukee's original freight yard was just east of Division Street in Spokane in a recess locally called the "ditch." They eventually built a larger yard east of Havana street in east Spokane, as did the Union Pacific in 1956. Today the U.P. yard is mostly gone and the U.P. in Spokane uses the former Milwaukee yard.

These drawings are for personal viewing only. You may capture them for the purpose of viewing in a program that will allow you to enlarge the image for more detailed viewing. They are not to be used for any other purpose and all usage rights remain with their originators.

Click on a photo for a larger view. CAUTION. These are very large files due to them being large prints so expect significant download times.

Monroe-Division This shows the route through downtown Spokane, approximately from Monroe Street on the west to Division Street on the east, and includes the site for Union Station. This is a view from geographic south.	Dishman-Manito This shows the route between Dishman WA and Manito WA. This track is still in service today. This is a view from geographic south.	Manito Connection This shows the Milwaukee connecting to the OWR&N at Manito WA. This is a view from geographic north.	Manito-Plummer This shows the section from Manito WA to Plummer Junction near Plummer ID. This is the section built by the Milwaukee. This view is from geographic south.	Plummer Junction This shows the details of the interconnection of the new Milwaukee track with the Milwaukee mainline. This view is from geographic south.

 

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