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The Northern Pacific Railway (reporting mark NP) was a transcontinental railroad that operated across the northern tier of the western United States, from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest. It was approved by Congress in 1864 and given nearly forty million acres (62,000 sq mi; 160,000 km2) of land grants, which it used to raise money in Europe for construction. Construction began in 1870 and the main line opened all the way from the Great Lakes to the Pacific when former President Ulysses S. Grant drove in the final "golden spike" in western Montana on September 8, 1883. The railroad had about 6,800 miles (10,900 km) of track and served a large area, including extensive trackage in the states of Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association (NPRHA) is dedicated to preserving the history of America's first northern transcontinental railroad and making it accessible. This is done by the nearly 2,000 members of the NPRHA who support research into the operations, equipment, and facilities of the NP and by modeling and publishing the various research findings.

The Northern Pacific Railway Museum was incorporated to promote the preservation, display and operation of railroad equipment.� The primary objective is the education of the public regarding the importance of the railroad to our history and the ongoing role of transportation in our infrastructure.� The 1911�depot-museum�was in very poor condition when the museum was founded in 1989.� The waiting room has undergone a multiyear restoration effort and is now restored as much as possible to its original appearance in the early 1900s.� Display cabinets showcase authentic NP dinnerware used on early and mid- 20th century.� �The telegraph room has been totally restored.� The adjacent�freight room�showcases maintenance equipment indigenous to the times.� In addition pump cars and speeders are also displayed.��The Railway Express Agency room still has the original scales and safe.� A working REA delivery truck is parked outside.