Columbian (Milwaukee Road train)

Columbian
The Columbian in 1927
Overview
First serviceMay 29, 1911 (1911-05-29)
1947 (1947)
Last service1930 (1930)
January 21, 1955 (1955-01-21)
Former operator(s)Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad
Route
TerminiChicago, Illinois
Seattle, Washington or
Tacoma, Washington
Distance travelled2,189 miles (3,523 km) (Chicago-Seattle),
2,207 miles (3,552 km) (Chicago-Tacoma)
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)17/18

The Columbian was a named passenger train operated by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad ("the Milwaukee Road") between Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle/Tacoma, Washington. The westbound train was Milwaukee Road train #17, and the eastbound train was train #18. It was launched on Monday, May 29, 1911. The same day, the faster, limited-stop and more luxurious Olympian also launched. These were the first passenger trains to take advantage of the Milwaukee Road Pacific Extension, which had opened to freight in 1909.