Missoula’s Engine 1356 Earns Powerful Historic Recognition

Missoula has a very rich history. You can spot pieces of the past in a lot of places around town, especially downtown Missoula. Occasionally, when you stop and read some of the plaques around town, you will learn about their place in history.

The History Behind Engine 1356

It’s not every day that Missoula gets a piece of history formally recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, but that has recently been accomplished for Engine 1356, the train engine that is a permanent fixture at the end of Higgins Avenue in downtown Missoula.

In the past few years, there has been a lot of work done on the historic engine. Last spring, we were on hand to see the installation of a headlight cover and number plates on the engine. Engine 1356 now has electricity available, so over the last Christmas holiday, the headlight was lit up for the first time in 70 years.

According to an update from the Friends of the 1356, “The review board approved unanimously Engine 1356 as individually eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.” The board also approved a Consensus of Eligibility, which means there is no need to wait for a formal signature from the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C. Engine 1356 should be treated as if it is now officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

How to Support the Engine 1356 Restoration Project

There is still work to be done on Engine 1356, with rebuilding the cab and repairs to the tender. None of this work is easy or cheap. The Missoula 1356 restoration organization is actively fundraising. There are multiple ways to support the restoration of Engine 1356. You can donate directly on their website or purchase a 2026 calendar at the downtown winter market on Saturdays.

Friends of the 1356 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are deductible to the extent of the law.