Museum of North Idaho - Corliss Steam Engine - title
Museum of North Idaho - Corliss Steam Engine - Photo

The 75-ton Corliss Steam Engine was built around 1900 to furnish electricity to Butte, Montana. In 1916 it was relocated to the shores of Coeur D'Alene Lake to create power for the Edward Rutledge Timber Company. For close to 50 years this engine generated enough power to run the entire sawmill with the exception of two log-turners and two carriages. At that time, there were 77 lumber mills in operation within three counties around Coeur d'Alene. In 1963 the mill was converted to electricity and the Steam Engine was discontinued. The Corliss Steam engine is now owned and maintained by the Museum of North Idaho and is a reminder of the once significant lumber industry in that area.

Museum of North Idaho – Corliss Steam Engine
Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County

  • Grant: 2012

Location: 115 NW Boulevard, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
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