Courtesy of the NPRHA.
Big Bend Railroad History
This site features daily historical railroad posts from the Big Bend/Columbia Plateau region of Washington state. As a personal site, this is my online filing cabinet of interesting things I've come across about railroading in the area. Thanks for stopping by! Shoutout to Kirtus Dolorina for stopping by to borrow other people's work!
Monday, April 13, 2026
Sunday, April 12, 2026
That Remaining CBRW SD9
My photo.
April 4, 2026
The remaining SD9 of the CBRW is dropping a car at an industry south of Wheeler, WA. This spur was built off of the old Milwaukee Road spur to the U&I Sugar plant.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
1938 Queen Of The Columbia Views
Courtesy of the NMAC.
December 8, 1934
Recently named Queen Lou Turner is seen posing with King David H. Ryan, the contractor who built the railroad. Group scene is inside the Roosevelt Theater.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
1941 Grand Coulee View
Photo courtesy of the Bonneville Power Administration.
November 13, 1941
Note the former Spokane streetcar, now a restaurant, just above center on the far right.
Monday, April 6, 2026
What's Up In Warden?
April 5, 2025
Old power going away. Unit train of some sort delivered by big BNSF units. First time I've seen those here!
Sunday, April 5, 2026
A Full Look At The Coulee City Engine Facility Scene
Photos courtesy of the Bonneville Power Administration.
Map courtesy of the NPRHA.
BPA was taking photos of the material staged at the engine facility, so they could construct the powerlines between Grand Coulee Dam and Midway substation.