Alhambra, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alhambra, Montana
|
|
|---|---|
|
Populated Place
|
|
 Alhambra, Montana
Location in Montana
Alhambra, Montana
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Jefferson |
| Elevation | 4,287 ft (1,307 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | N/A |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| Area code(s) | 406 |
| GNIS feature ID | 770091 |
Alhambra is a small community in Jefferson County, Montana. It is located about one mile south of Clancy. This area is part of the Helena Micropolitan Area. Alhambra shares its postal code, 59634, with Clancy.
History of Alhambra
Alhambra was once a popular resort town located south of Helena. It became busy because of the many people traveling for mining in the area.
Hot Springs Resorts
Two main hotels, Alhambra and Sunnyside Hot Springs, formed a special resort. People came here for both medical treatments and fun activities. This resort was very popular from the 1860s until the 1950s.
The hot water from the springs is still used today. It helps to heat a retirement home built where one of the old hotels used to be.
The Hot Springs Water
Alhambra Hot Springs has four main springs and several smaller hot water spots. These are found along Warm Springs Creek. The water from these springs is very warm, averaging about 138 degrees Fahrenheit (59 degrees Celsius). This warm water travels about a quarter-mile downhill to a rehabilitation center. There, it flows through pipes in the concrete floor to provide heat.
Decline of the Resort
In 1959, a big fire destroyed the Sunnyside Hotel. It was never rebuilt. In earlier years, people bottled and sold the water from the springs. They thought it had healing properties. However, it was later discovered that the water was naturally unsuitable for drinking or therapeutic use.
These events, along with a decrease in mining, led to the end of Alhambra as a busy resort town. A post office operated in Alhambra from 1885 to 1947.
