As we stand here at the foot of the Montfort, WI, C&NW Coal Tower, it is easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of railroad activity during its heyday. Constructed by the Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW), this imposing structure was an essential part of the US railway system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its primary function was as a coal storage tower, holding up to 500 tons of coal at any given time.

The ingenious design of the tower is truly remarkable. A series of elevators facilitated the movement of coal into its upper chambers, which could be directly accessed by tenders through strategically placed chutes. This innovative system allowed for the efficient and timely fueling of steam locomotives that passed through this area, ensuring a smooth continuation of their journey across the vast American landscape.

As you look up at the coal tower, it is hard not to be impressed by its sheer size and architectural ingenuity. The structure stands as a testament to the resourcefulness of railway engineers during a time when coal was a vital source of energy. It also provides us with an interesting glimpse into the past, reminding us of how essential railroads were in connecting people and places across the nation.

So, let your imagination run wild as you picture steaming locomotives pulling up alongside the tower, their tenders being filled with coal from the chutes above. As we stand here, we can almost hear the distant rumble of trains long gone but not forgotten, echoing through the years and transporting us back to a time when this coal tower played such an important role in the history of American railroads.