Canton, Montana facts for kids

Canton was once a small town located in Broadwater County, Montana. Today, it lies hidden beneath the waters of Canyon Ferry Lake, not far from Helena, Montana. This town disappeared when a much larger dam was built nearby, causing the lake to grow and cover the land where Canton once stood.

Canton: A Town Beneath the Waves

Canton was a quiet community that existed for many years. It was a typical small town in Montana, likely surrounded by farms and natural beauty. However, its fate changed forever because of a big construction project.

Why Canton Disappeared

The main reason Canton is now underwater is the Canyon Ferry Dam. An older, smaller dam was first built in 1898. Its main job was to create electricity for the city of Helena. But as the area grew, more power and better flood control were needed.

So, a new, much larger dam project began in 1949. This new dam was a huge undertaking. When it was finished in 1953, the reservoir behind it — which is like a giant man-made lake — became 50 times bigger than before! This massive expansion meant that about 25 miles of river bottom, along with 4,000 acres of valuable farmland and the entire town of Canton, were covered by the rising waters.

Building the Canyon Ferry Dam

The construction of the second Canyon Ferry Dam was a major engineering effort. It was designed to replace the older, smaller dam and create a much larger reservoir. This bigger lake would provide more electricity, help control floods, and store water for irrigation.

The Bureau of Reclamation is the government agency that owns and operates the Canyon Ferry Dam today. They manage the water levels and ensure the dam continues to serve its important purposes for the region. While the dam brought many benefits, it also meant that places like Canton had to be given up for the greater good of the community.