Finally, on the 1st of March, this course got under way!
With a good attendance, Bill detailed what the 7 days course would entail. For today’s course, it was explained that possibly the most important person involved in the planning and construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Rockies was not a Canadian, but a young USA citizen who ironically was born in Eastern Canada! James J Hill had a remarkable life and was probably one man who could be classed as a ‘genius’.
Starting with one very small railroad, going north along the Red River, towards Fort Garry (Winnipeg), he either bought or built others to eventually form the Great Northern group! In this process, he became known as “The Empire Builder” and now has possibly the most popular Amtrak train named after him! His life’s work presented a fascinating story! He is responsible for Seattle’s success. To complete the day, Bill presented a very good DVD on ‘The Coast Starlight’ Amtrak train which runs between Los Angeles and Seattle.
Next course day is Tuesday 5th April at 09:30—please note the earlier start!
Having investigated the man – today will be all about the Train – ‘The Empire Builder’.
Along the way, we will look at the famous Tourist Hotel – ‘The Izaak Walton Inn’, which has its own request stop in Glacier National Park. The DVD to be shown is ‘Donner Pass’ – part of the original Trans USA Railroad, and the climb from 200ft at Roseville to 6000ft at Donner Summit.
With a good attendance, Bill detailed what the 7 days course would entail. For today’s course, it was explained that possibly the most important person involved in the planning and construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the Rockies was not a Canadian, but a young USA citizen who ironically was born in Eastern Canada! James J Hill had a remarkable life and was probably one man who could be classed as a ‘genius’.
Starting with one very small railroad, going north along the Red River, towards Fort Garry (Winnipeg), he either bought or built others to eventually form the Great Northern group! In this process, he became known as “The Empire Builder” and now has possibly the most popular Amtrak train named after him! His life’s work presented a fascinating story! He is responsible for Seattle’s success. To complete the day, Bill presented a very good DVD on ‘The Coast Starlight’ Amtrak train which runs between Los Angeles and Seattle.
Next course day is Tuesday 5th April at 09:30—please note the earlier start!
Having investigated the man – today will be all about the Train – ‘The Empire Builder’.
Along the way, we will look at the famous Tourist Hotel – ‘The Izaak Walton Inn’, which has its own request stop in Glacier National Park. The DVD to be shown is ‘Donner Pass’ – part of the original Trans USA Railroad, and the climb from 200ft at Roseville to 6000ft at Donner Summit.
