Comertown, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Comertown Historic District
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sheridan County, Montana |
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| Nearest city | Westby, Montana |
| Built | 1913 |
| MPS | Sheridan County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 93001149 |
| Added to NRHP | October 27, 1993 |
Comertown is a small, historic place located in northeastern Sheridan County, Montana, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
Comertown was started in 1913. Even though it's a quiet place now, it has a special history. In 1993, the entire community was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historic district in the United States.
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What is Comertown?
Comertown is found at an altitude of about 2,270 feet (692 meters) above sea level. It's a small settlement that was once a bustling place. Its location in northeastern Montana made it a key spot for people looking to start new lives.
A Town is Born
When the railroad was finished in the early 1900s, many people came to the area around Comertown. These people were called homesteaders. They were looking for land to settle and farm, thanks to the Homestead Act. This law allowed people to claim land if they lived on it and farmed it for a certain number of years. Comertown quickly grew as a center for these new settlers.
Tough Times and Decline
Even though many people moved to Comertown, the land around it turned out to be very difficult for farming. The soil and weather conditions weren't good for growing many crops. Because of these challenges, many homesteaders found it hard to make a living. By the 1920s, Comertown began to shrink as people started to leave and look for better opportunities elsewhere.
Important Buildings and Services
Despite its decline, Comertown once had important services for its residents.
- A post office was open in Comertown from November 14, 1914, until June 30, 1957. This was a vital link for people to send and receive mail.
- A school was also built in Comertown, providing education for the children of the homesteaders.
- A cemetery was established, which is still there today.
A Historic District
In 1993, the entire community of Comertown was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's now a historic district. A historic district is an area that has a group of buildings, structures, or sites that are important because of their history or architecture. Being on this list helps protect Comertown's history and reminds us of the challenges and hopes of the early settlers in Montana.
