by Amedee Joullin
"Driving the Golden Spike", was painted
by Amedee Joullin (1862 - 1917) in 1903. It originally hung
in the barrell vault above the grand stair, but was moved
to the west arch of the rotunda in the remodeling of 1965.
It was moved back to its original location in the latest restoration
project.
Don Beatty Photo 2001
The painting is an oil on canvas measuring 7'
5" x 15' 3" which has received conservation treatment.
It has been cleaned and put on an aluminum frame that will
not expand.
The mural depicts the driving of the golden
spike at Gold Creek in 1883 at the completion of the Northern
Pacific Railroad. It shows President Grant, Governor Crosby
and Northern Pacific President Villard driving the last spike.
This painting was valued by the art conservator at $30,000.
Reference: Historic Structure Report - Montana State Capitol
Building, prepared for State of Montana Architectural/Engineering
Office by James R. McDonald, Architect; November, 1981.
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