We took a “vacation” yesterday and drove from Cody up over
Dead Indian Pass on the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. We then connected to the
Beartooth Scenic Highway which dropped us into Red Lodge, Montana. Both roads
were spectacular with dizzying views and switchbacks, upgrades and downgrades.
The Beartooth boasts one of the world’s longest stretches of alpine pavement
running above the tree line. Simply stunning and photos will follow. Our
vacation was leaving Vilia at our camp in Cody and spending a hotel overnight in Red Lodge. Named after a Crow Indian
tepee that had been stained red with local red earth, Red Lodge started as a
mail stop in 1884. Shortly after, coal was discovered then the railroad came
and a building boom happened. Word came to Europe that mining jobs were
plentiful and the influx arrived, bringing individuals who were gifted brick layers and masons.
The coal lasted about three decades and the town started to decline. Local
merchants lobbied DC to make their appeal that a highway be constructed up and
over the Beartooth Mountains creating a scenic tourist attraction and providing
access from town to Yellowstone, to the west. Herbert Hoover gave approval.
Like so many of our roads, the highway follows what was an ancient game
migration route which became a seasonal hunting and gathering route for early
man. The highway worked as an attraction and Red Lodge once again began to
thrive. Part of the result is the preservation of many of these wonderful old
exhibits of architecture and masonry. We found the town impressive also for its
apparent civic pride. Driving around the neighborhoods we noted that the vast
majority of homes, simple or grand, were well cared for and landscaped. Today,
Red Lodge offers winter skiing and the summertime is awash with motorcycles and
rallies. The Beartooth Highway is a very favorite ride for those with big bikes.
Here are some pics of the buildings that line the main
street.
This one has the added touch of red hued mortar between the stones.
The historic marker of this old 1895 bank building noted that it was the object of a failed bank robbery attempt by The Sundance Kid. The Kid was arrested and jailed, but managed to escape.
They don't make them like that anymore, eh!
ReplyDeleteYou need to find the train that Jesse James robbed
ReplyDeletecheck out latest post re Jesse James.
ReplyDelete