Polebridge to Numa Ridge Phoneline
Encyclopedia
The Polebridge to Numa Ridge Phoneline is a historic communications path in Glacier National Park. The line was the last remaining single-line crank telephone network in the American West. The remaining line, insulators, and terminals are instructive of early communication technology. The system includes the remains of a single strand system using an earth ground. Wire was strung through ceramic insulators mounted on trees. Phone poles still stand in the meadow south of Kishenehn Ranger Station
, and a phone remains in place at Bowman Lake.
The line starts at Polebridge Ranger Station
, passing Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station
, then Numa Ridge Fire Lookout
. The first sections were constructed in 1911, with additions to connect ranger stations through the 1930s. In later years, FM radio saw greater use and the extent of the phone system declined. The Polebridge-Numa line persisted until 1985, when it was officially shut down, although unofficial use continued through 1988.
Kishenehn Ranger Station Historic District
The Kishenehn Ranger Station in Glacier National Park was built in 1919 to replace an earlier station that burned in 1913. Located just three miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border, the log cabin was one of the earliest administrative structures in the park. The cabin was designed in an early...
, and a phone remains in place at Bowman Lake.
The line starts at Polebridge Ranger Station
Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District
The Polebridge Ranger Station in Glacier National Park was the first administrative area in the park, predating the park's establishment. The ranger station was destroyed by fire, leaving the residence....
, passing Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station
Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station
The Skyland Camp-Bowman Lake Ranger Station in Glacier National Park was originally built as the Culver Boys' Military Academy. The main building, known variously as the Skyland Camp Messhall, Culver Boys' Military Academy Messhall and Skyline Chalet, was built in 1920 and is a good example of...
, then Numa Ridge Fire Lookout
Numa Ridge Fire Lookout
The Numa Ridge Fire Lookout in Glacier National Park is significant as one of a chain of manned fire lookout posts within the park. The low two-story timber-construction structure with a pyramidal roof was built in 1933. The lookout was built to a standard plan originated by the U.S...
. The first sections were constructed in 1911, with additions to connect ranger stations through the 1930s. In later years, FM radio saw greater use and the extent of the phone system declined. The Polebridge-Numa line persisted until 1985, when it was officially shut down, although unofficial use continued through 1988.