Historic Engine No. 25 restoration project needs your help

You've seen the old train engine sitting off of Harrison Avenue on the south side of the Butte Civic Center.  It's been there for so long that it almost goes unnoticed, fenced in behind chain-link and as close to as unassuming as a locomotive engine can be.  But when you take a closer look, you not only see Butte history, but the beauty of this industrial behemoth, and when you learn it's story you realize it's significance and why it needs to be restored.

Engine No. 25 is its name and it's a 2-8-0 steam locomotive built in 1899 by Schenectady Locomotive works, designed to assist trains over the steep grade of Homestake Pass to Whitehall.  No. 25 worked out of the Butte Round House which once stood on the present ground of the Montana Resources concentrator.  The engine played a key role in Montana's rail operations during the steam era, and it represents the kind of hardworking equipment that powered the growth of early Butte and the surrounding area.

After the advent of the diesel locomotive the engine was retired and in 1958 was saved by the Butte Jaycees and presented to the children of Butte and placed on display outside of the Civic Center where it stands today.  The engine is one of the few surviving Northern Pacific steam engines and a rare, physical reminder of Butte's deep connection to the railroad industry.  For decades, the engine has been exposed to the elements and is in need of restoration in order to preserve this rare asset for future generations.

The Engine 25 Restoration Group was formed in 2023 by a small group of Butte residents who are committed to preserving the engine's legacy, many members with personal ties.  Al Hess, for example, is the son of the late Glen Hess who was the last Northern Pacific engineer to run Engine No. 25 back in the 1950s.  Al has been advocating for the engine's restoration for over a decade in honor of his father and even purchased a replacement bell, on display in the Civic Center lobby, hoping it would one day sit on a restored engine.  Many have joined his cause.

The Restoration Group has a goal of full restoration along with a roofed, fenced enclosure.  The group has the support of our local government as well as many businesses and organizations.  At present time the group has received a $3300 donation from the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching donations up to $50,00.

Help is still needed and if you would like to learn more about the cause, go to engine25.org and donations can be made at the Butte Community Federal Credit Union in care of the Engine 25 Restoration Project, 2901 Grand Avenue.  For details, please contact All Hess at ahfacilityservices@yahoo.com or call (406) 465-9482.