This timeline of some depot, train and related Billings history was compiled by Ruth Towe and Karen Stevens.

1909

On March 24, the new Union Depot, built at a cost of $65,000, opens for business. The first ticket is bought by Dr. Andrew Clark, whose wife, Dr. Harriet Foxton Clark, is the first female physician in Billings.

1910

In May, Charlie Bair's wool shipment weighs 1.9 million pounds and fills 47 railroad cars when it leaves the Billings Depot.

1911

In April, Theodore Roosevelt speaks to an estimated crowd of 8,000 from the balcony of the Commercial Hotel across from the Union Depot.

In October, President Howard Taft is met by thousands when he arrives in Billings. Twenty trains arrive and depart daily from the Union Depot.

1913

Ringling Brothers Circus arrives in Billings on five long trains. The circus performances are witnessed by almost 5,000 people.

1917

Canteen service begins to provide for needs of troops passing through Billings via the railroad during World War I.

1918

In October, a "monster crowd" greets former President Theodore Roosevelt at the depot. He gives eight speeches in 12 hours in Billings.

1919

President Woodrow Wilson comes to Billings to promote the League of Nations.

1920

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a vice presidential candidate, and James M. Cox, a presidential candidate, visit Billings.

1926

Crown Prince Gustavus Adolphus and Princess Louise of Sweden arrive at the depot and visit Billings on their way to Yellowstone National Park.

1927

In August, President Calvin Coolidge stops in Billings aboard a special train en route to Yellowstone National Park.

1941

With World War II under way, transcontinental railroads play a crucial part in moving troops and military supplies across the country.

1942

In December, 9,800 train tickets are sold, 35,000 phone calls are received, 18,000 pieces of baggage are handled and 120,000 sacks of mail pass through the station.

1943

The Billings train depot is the busiest place in the city at night, due to troop trains arriving and departing.

1944

War-lengthened trains require reinforced tracks and platforms.

1946

Northern Pacific buys 75 acres for a new industrial park. The first diesel locomotive owned by NP passes through the city, attracting much attention.

1947

Northern Pacific's new brick office building and 400-foot-long loading platforms are completed.

1952

In October, presidential candidate Dwight Eisenhower makes a campaign stop at the depot.

1963

The old roundhouse is demolished. It once sheltered coal-burning locomotives.

1967

The Northern Pacific brick smokestack, built in 1918, is demolished. The 100-foot-high stack has been a Billings landmark for decades.

1970

Burlington Northern Railroad is founded with merger of four railroads.

1971

On Aug. 31, a three-car turbo train, capable of 170 mph, visits Billings.

1975

On Oct. 12, the Bicentennial Train stops at the Billings Depot, marking the start of local celebration of the nation's bicentennial. Thousands of residents line the tracks to welcome the train.

1977

Billings Townsite Historic District, including Billings Depot, is created through an ordinance passed by the City Council.

1978

The Union Depot area is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1979

Amtrak ends passenger service to the southern part of Montana. Billings Depot is vacant and inactive.

1981

In August, The Billings Gazette reports that "Wreckers ball looms for depot."

1987

Montana Rail Link is created with purchase by Dennis Washington of the southern route through Montana from Burlington Northern. Three of four depot buildings are included in the purchase.

1988

Billings Preservation Society applies for a city Community Transportation Enhancement Program grant for exterior stabilization of depot buildings.

1991

The Billings Depot Passenger & Baggage Station is used as film site for movie "Far and Away."

1993

Bruce Toole and other members of the Billings Preservation Society begin negotiations with BN and MRL and the city of Billings for preservation of the depot buildings. Billings Preservation Society officially takes on the Billings Depot project.

1994

In March, Billings Depot Inc., a nonprofit organization, is created under the sponsorship of the Billings Preservation Society to coordinate the restoration of the depot and operate and maintain the site. CTEP funds are approved to begin restoration.

1995

Negotiations with rail companies and the city are completed, resulting in key agreements on sublease of land, a bill of sale for depot buildings to the city and agreement between city and Billings Depot Inc. for operation and maintenance.

Montana Avenue Streetscape design is approved by property owners, and the CTEP grant application is approved. Philip Morris contributes to exterior renovations of the depot.

1996

In April, contracts are executed to provide for the exterior renovation of the four depot buildings and surrounding grounds.

1998

The Smithsonian Institution Artrain rolls into the Burlington Northern depot. Thousands of people view the train's modern art.

1999

Work begins on the Beanery, the original lunch building at the Depot.

2000

The Beanery Bar & Grill restoration is completed, and the building opens to the public.

2001

Remodeling of the old ticketing and baggage buildings begins.

2002

The Horse of Course! fundraising effort completes a successful money drive to pay for depot renovation.

2003-present

The Billings Depot holds a variety of events including culinary classes, art exhibits, art instruction, a Bighorn Sheep Magic project, fundraisers and wedding celebrations.

2004

Renovation of the BN Building is started.

2008

BN Office Building is completed and rented to Billings Public Works Department.