BUTTE, Mont. – Butte is embracing its history with a restoration project centered around a significant local relic.

An 86-ton locomotive, known as Engine 25, located next to the Butte Civic Center on Harrison Avenue, is the focus of this effort.

Engine 25, built in 1899, is the last of its kind still standing. It was one of thirteen 2-8-0 model locomotives constructed that year, playing a crucial role in moving freight and passengers through the challenging terrain of Southwest Montana.

Al Hess, coordinator of the Engine 25 Restoration Group, shared its historical significance.

“Unannounced to a lot of people, Engine 25 helped build Butte to was it is today,” Hess said. “Homestake Pass was one of the main railway lines into Butte. Coming down Homestake Pass is pretty easy, but heading

See Full Page