Charles Arthur Broadwater facts for kids
Charles Arthur Broadwater (born September 25, 1840 – died May 24, 1892) was a very rich and powerful businessman in Montana. He was involved in railroads, real estate (buying and selling land), and banking.
Broadwater was born in St. Charles, Missouri. He became the president of the Montana Central Railway. This was a special train line that connected Great Falls, Montana, Helena, and Butte, Montana. He also started the Montana National Bank in Helena. Broadwater owned a lot of land across Montana. In fact, Broadwater County, Montana is named after him!
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Charles Broadwater's Early Career
Charles Broadwater started his career in 1862. He worked as a livestock trader in Bannack, Montana. This town was famous for its gold rush. Soon, he became interested in transportation. He became the superintendent of the Diamond R Freighting Company. This was a very large company. It was in charge of most of the shipping in Montana Territory. This was before the railroads arrived.
Building a Business Empire
In the 1870s, Broadwater teamed up with James J. Hill. Hill was the founder of a big railway company. It was called the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway. This company later became the Great Northern Railway (U.S.) in 1890.
Broadwater was also a key figure in early Montana politics. He was one of the four most important Democratic leaders. These leaders were sometimes called the "Big Four." The other three were Marcus Daly, William A. Clark, and Samuel Thomas Hauser.
The Famous Hotel Broadwater
Charles Broadwater is perhaps best remembered for his amazing hotel. It was called the Hotel Broadwater and Natatorium. He built it near Helena between 1888 and 1889. It was a very fancy and luxurious place. Broadwater hoped to attract rich mining leaders and their families. He wanted to use the wealth that came from Montana's mines.
The hotel was very modern and luxurious for its time. However, it never attracted as many wealthy guests as Broadwater had hoped.
Broadwater's Legacy
Charles Broadwater passed away at his hotel in Helena, Montana. This happened on May 24, 1892. He had become sick with influenza (the flu) in New York the year before. More than 5,000 people attended his funeral. He is buried in Forestvale Cemetery.
