Coulson, Montana facts for kids
Coulson is a ghost town located in Yellowstone County, Montana, United States. It sits on the north bank of the Yellowstone River, about one mile east of where downtown Billings is today.
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What Was Coulson?
Coulson was a busy river town in the late 1800s. It was a key stop for steamboats traveling on the Yellowstone River. These boats brought supplies and people to the growing Montana Territory.
The Rise of Coulson
The town of Coulson was founded in 1877. It quickly became a hub for trade and travel. People came to Coulson to catch steamboats or to ship goods. The town had stores, saloons, and homes. It was a lively place, full of pioneers and adventurers.
Why Did Coulson Become a Ghost Town?
Coulson's success depended on the river. But a new form of transportation was coming: the railroad. The Northern Pacific Railway was building tracks across Montana. Everyone expected the railroad to come through Coulson.
The Railroad's Impact
In 1882, the Northern Pacific Railway decided to build its main line a little further west. This new spot became the town of Billings. When the railroad chose Billings, it meant that Coulson would no longer be the main transportation center. People and businesses quickly moved to the new railroad town. Many buildings in Coulson were even moved brick by brick to Billings.
Coulson Today
Today, very little remains of the original town of Coulson. It became a ghost town because its purpose faded away. The land where Coulson once stood is now part of the larger Billings area. You can still visit the site and imagine what it was like.
What is Boot Hill?
One of the few remaining parts of Coulson is its old cemetery, known as Boot Hill. Many frontier towns had a "Boot Hill" cemetery. This was often where people who died suddenly or violently were buried. Coulson's Boot Hill reminds us of the tough and sometimes dangerous life in the old West. It sits above Main Street in Billings Heights today.
