Victorian in appearance.
Valiant in the face of danger.
James Root, Engineer
More than 150 people climbed onto Root’s train as he drove five miles in reverse to reach tiny Skunk Lake, north of Hinckley. Though badly burned, he remained at the throttle until the train reached its destination.
Their actions saved hundreds.
Thomas Dunn, Depot Agent
As the fire approached, Dunn stayed at his telegraph, calling for help and sending words of warning along the wires. The final words he transmitted were, “I think I’ve stayed too long.”
Tom Sullivan, Conductor
Making his way through the burning train, choked and blinded by smoke, he still did his best to comfort his passengers as the train raced to the relative safety of the water.
John Blair, Porter
As people climbed from the train at Skunk Lake, Blair assisted them and made repeated trips back to the burning coaches to rescue children. He was the last one to leave the doomed train when he was certain all passengers were off.
William Best, Engineer
When given instructions to leave, Best set the air brakes of his train instead, to hold the train so more could escape. It will never be known how many lives were saved because Best held a firm grip on the air brakes for a few more crucial moments.
Edward Barry, Engineer
Barry ran his train in reverse to escape the fire, relying on two brakemen to flag him safely across burning bridges. His eyes were badly affected by the smoke, and by the end of the trip he was almost blind.
John McGowan, Engineer
As the train backed up at Skunk Lake, McGowan discovered and revived the unconscious Root at the throttle. Had he not rescued Root, the train would have stopped, all its passengers undoubtedly would have burned. When they came to Skunk Lake, McGowan was at the door helping people off the platform. He returned to the engine and carried Root to safety in the water.
Root’s Engine
Literally the last train out of town, the Saint Paul & Duluth Railroad train took many to the relative safety of Skunk Lake, north of Hinckley. A sign on the Willard Munger State Trail marks Skunk Lake today.
The Pit
Many were saved by submersing themselves in what little water remained at the bottom of a gravel pit along the tracks. You can visit the pit today, which is now a memorial park.
