How many iconic things can you find in this photo? How about the 1906 built Teslow elevator? The 1902 Northern Pacific Depot? Even the East Side school built in 1902 by none other than C.E. Bell, who also designed the capitol building in Helena? Something you cant miss is the sprawling shop complex that has housed the NP, BN, LRC and now MRL. With construction beginning in the 1880's, Livingston became one of the major mechanical hubs for the Northern Pacific, performing everything from daily maintenance to full rebuilds on the NP's powerful steam locomotives. With two large mountain ranges nearby, this was demanding territory. Into the Burlington Northern era, Livingston saw itself erasing its NP roots as engines entered black and gold and left green and black. In 1986, the BN ceased operations here and shortly thereafter it was operated by LRC until its bankruptcy. Many LRC rebuilt locomotives are still in use today. In 2006, the MRL purchased all assets from LRC and today uses many of the buildings. You'd be hard pressed to find many remaining shops that have been everything from 4-8-4's to SD70ACe's.
