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Mullan Military Road Quiz

How well do you know the historic road that opened a path across the inland Northwest? Test your knowledge by answering all six questions below.

1. Who is the Mullan Road named after?
2. How many gas stations were located on the Mullan Road?
3. The road was constructed with a surface of what materials?
4. What city was on the eastern end of the Mullan Road?
5. What city was on the western end of the Mullan Road?
6. How long was the Mullan Road?

Answer Explanations

1. John Mullan
The road was named for Lieutenant John Mullan, the U.S. Army officer who supervised its construction.
2. None
The Mullan Road was a military road constructed in the 1850s. It was not a modern highway with gasoline stations. The gas station question is a reminder of how different transportation was when the road was built.
3. None, usually.
The Mullan Road was primarily an improved trail and earth road. In most places it did not have a constructed paved surface like asphalt, concrete, or modern gravel roads.
4. Fort Benton
The eastern end of the Mullan Road was at Fort Benton on the Missouri River in what is now Montana.
5. Walla Walla
The western end of the original Mullan Road was at Walla Walla in what is now Washington State.
6. 624 miles
The Mullan Road extended approximately 624 miles between Fort Benton and Walla Walla.

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