Though the Northern Pacific Depot is considered of primary importance to the historic district by the NRHP, it seems not to have been included in the original 1983 historic district nomination. It was, however, included in the first boundary increase, submitted the next year, 1984. Also, various dates are proposed for its construction, 1889, 1897 and 1899. We'll go with 1889 as that's the date on the small bronze plaque on the side of the depot, as well as the NRHP plaque (below).
The railroad that initially ran into Red Lodge in 1889 wasn't the Northern Pacific, but the Rocky Fork & Cooke City Railway, acquired by the Northern Pacific in 1890. The station, if built in 1889 as the plaques state, would, indeed, have been initially a Rocky Fork & Cooke City Railway station.
When the Northern Pacific discontinued passenger service (actually the Burlington Northern by then) and finally rail service to Red Lodge it picked up its tracks and left town, leaving behind its depot, now the property of the Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery and one of its cabooses, which now stands beside the depot. Actually, the caboose was gifted to the guild, as well, and moved to Red Lodge, from wherever, whenever.
The plaque is transcribed as follows;
“MURPHY’S CABOOSE”
Dedicated July 25th, 2009
to
Chuck & Margaret Murphy
for their passion, devotion, and
many years of serve to the
dreams, goals, and mission of the
Carbon County Arts Guild.
Gifted by
Contributing artist and patrons.
Chuck (Gerald ‘Chuck’ Kerns Murphy) passed away the morning of May 6, 2016. Following is an excerpt from Chuck's obituary:
Montana rancher and cowboy poet, Chuck Murphy, peacefully reached his final destination early in the morning of May 6, 2016, with family by his side. Born in Sheridan, Wyo., he is preceded in death by his father Carl Otis “Pat” Murphy, mother Josephine Kerns Murphy, brother Jimmy and sister Joann.
The Bull Mountains were home to Chuck and Margaret where they ranched for 40 years. Chuck’s greatest enjoyment was working with the youth of Musselshell County as a 4-H leader, volunteer parent and mentor.
After selling the ranch, Chuck and Margaret moved to Red Lodge where he authored two poetry books and one novel. He was an active volunteer for the Carbon County Arts Guild, the Kiwanis Club, the United Blood Bank, the Boys and Girls Club and a member of Calvary Episcopal Church. As a result of his call to serve others, he was recognized for his volunteer work at the Carbon County Nursing Home where he assisted residents and held weekly Cowboy Worship services.
From the Billings gazette