File:Steamer HELENA receiving passengers from a Northern Pacific Railroad train, 1887 (TRANSPORT 176).jpg

On verso of image: This old photo, made in the spring of 1887, shows transfer of passengers and baggage from a Northern Pacific train to the steamer HELENA of the Benton Package Co., at the bridge across the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan, N.D. The river was at flood stage, 27 feet above low water level, and trains could not pass Mandan. Passengers were taken by river steamer up the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers and transferred back to trains at Glendive or Miles City to continue their westward journey. For some years the NP and river steamers carried on a lucrative passenger and freight business to settlements on the river above Bismarck, except during the winter freeze-up.

• Subjects (LCSH): Missouri River; Rivers--North Dakota; Helen (Steamship); Steamboats--North Dakota; Benton Packet Company (Bismarck, N.D.); Railroads--North Dakota; Railroad bridges--North Dakota; Northern Pacific Railroad Company; Passengers--North Dakota