Long before Montana became a state, Laurel’s location made it a natural hub for exploration, trade, and—eventually—railroads. By 1884, BNSF predecessor Northern Pacific Railway had completed its first transcontinental rail line through the area, establishing Laurel as a key terminal town.
The town’s population surged as railroad jobs attracted settlers looking for new opportunities, and Laurel soon became a junction for three major railroads and the largest terminal yard between Minneapolis and Seattle.
Today, Laurel continues to carry its railroad legacy. From the high school mascot—the Locomotives—to the town’s welcome caboose adorned with Northern Pacific logos, reminders of the industry that built Laurel are everywhere.
