The Iron Horse Cometh: Railroads and Immigration

One key factor supporting immigration to Montana was the expansion of railroads such as the Northern Pacific Railway and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul Railroad.  These lines connected Montana directly with the Upper Midwest and the Pacific Nortwest.  Not only did the railroad bring immigrants who travelled to the Midwest into Montana, but the railroad also promoted settlement on lands adjacent to its track.  In addition, the railroad brought work crews, many of which were immigrants from east Asia.