DescriptionNamed for a county in England, Essex (originally known as Walton) began as a small town on the Great Northern Railway’s main line in 1890. Multiple work crews stayed here throughout the year, maintaining the line, clearing Marias Pass during winter, and operating the “pusher” engines used to assist trains over the pass. In 1939, in response to repeated requests, the Great Northern constructed the Izaak Walton Inn as a hostelry for the work crews, for $40,000. The use of diesel engines in the late 1940s eliminated the need for the Essex water towers and coal chute, but the “pusher” engines for Marias Pass remained into the 1990s. Today the inn serves winter and summer visitors to Glacier National Park and the surrounding area.Other Name(s)WaltonContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation3859 ft.CountyFlathead County
