Great Northern Railway power plant, ca 1898 (MOHAI 6437)

In 1897, the Great Northern Railway began building a 2.6 mile-long tunnel near Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Electricity was used in construction and, after 1909, was used to power trains in the tunnel. This avoided the buildup of smoke and gases which were dangerous to both crew and passengers.
This photo shows the Great Northern Railway's power plant near the west side of the Stevens Pass tunnel. Anders Wilse, civil engineer and photographer for the railroad company, took the photo sometime between 1897 and 1900.

Subjects (LCTGM): Great Northern Railway Company (U.S.); Power plants; Railroad construction & maintenance