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Discover the history of Great Falls Montana

by Trevor Riggs - Posted 1 year ago

Discover the history of Great Falls Montana

 

This spectacular natural wonder and scenery surround Great Falls, Montana's Big Sky Country. Located only minutes away from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west and the Little Belt Mountains to the east, it is nestled between acres of rich, productive farmland.

In this city, the mighty Missouri River, one of nature's most magnificent waterways, has influenced the town's development. Great Falls derives its name from the Missouri River, which flows through the town. In the course of cutting through the city, the Missouri plunges over 500 feet in a series of rapids and five breathtaking waterfalls that form the great falls of the Missouri river.

There are plenty of recreational opportunities for citizens and visitors alike in Great Falls, home to over 60,000 people.

Lewis and Clark's famous expedition in 1805 marked the beginning of Great Falls' long history as "The Electric City." Their journey took them through the newly purchased Louisiana Territory, filled with buffalo herds roaming the prairies. Native Americans, specifically the Blackfeet, had inhabited the Great Falls region for centuries.

More than seven miles away, Lewis and Clark heard the roar of the falls -- they were the first white explorers to see the "great falls" of the Missouri River.

It took them nearly a month to portage around the falls. A few days before they left, they celebrated the Fourth of July on White Bear Island in the new territory.

Great Falls was about to be born. A man named Paris Gibson was about to move into it.

In May of 1882, Gibson traveled west. He drew up plans for a city and presented them to James Hill, a critical railroad executive. Hill's belief that a town in such an area would make a valuable railroad connection led him to provide Gibson with his financial backing.

Unlike many others in the western world, this distinctive city was planned by a practical and very thoughtful individual. As the town was being In addition, Gibson made sure the streets were laid out in an arrow-straight pattern, and he set aside 886 acres for parks. The city's beauty was essential to Gibson, so he planted elm, ash, and fir trees on every street and boulevard.

Charles M. Russell, the legendary cowboy who called Great Falls home, significantly influenced modern culture during his lifetime.

Whether you prefer city excitement or mountain solitude, Great Falls offers it all. Return to what America was years ago, fresh and innocent, while steeped in perpetual discovery.