Transportation

The histories of the SP&S (Spokane, Portland & Seattle) Railroad, the development of Highway 8 and the era of the sternwheeler are interwoven in this gallery. For example, the Golden Spike Ceremony commemorating the completion of the SP&S line was held near today’s approach to the Bridge of the Gods, just west of Stevenson, WA. A variety of memorabilia of the railroad is on display, including a cast iron coal burning stove from a caboose. Next to this exhibit, a model of the sternwheeler, “Bailey Gatzert,” is displayed with the actual name board, pilot wheel, traveling trunks, whistle, bell and company flag. The “Bailey” was the most luxurious and remembered sternwheeler to ever ply the Columbia River and Puget Sound.