Lombard, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lombard
|
|
|---|---|
Abandoned Milwaukee Road bridge over the Missouri River at Lombard, Montana
|
|
 Lombard
Location in Montana
Lombard
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Broadwater |
| Established | 1895 |
| Abandoned | 1980 |
| Named for | A.G. Lombard |
| Elevation | 3,996 ft (1,218 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 773568 |
Lombard is a ghost town located in Montana, United States. It's found in the southeastern part of Broadwater County. This old town sits on the east bank of the Missouri River, just north of where Sixteen Mile Creek flows into it. Today, Lombard is empty, a reminder of a time when railroads were king.
Contents
The Story of Lombard
How Lombard Started
Lombard began in 1895. It was an important spot for railroads. The town was the western end, or "terminus," of the Montana Railroad. This meant it was where the Montana Railroad line finished. It was also where the Montana Railroad connected with the Northern Pacific Railway. This connection point was called an "interchange."
Railroad Changes
In 1908, the Montana Railroad became part of a much bigger railroad system. This new system was called the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. People often called it "the Milwaukee Road." This new, larger line stretched across the country. Because of this change, Lombard became less important as a main base for railroad operations. However, it still remained a key place where the Milwaukee Road and the Northern Pacific trains could meet and exchange goods or passengers.
Who Was Lombard Named After?
The town of Lombard was named after A.G. Lombard. He was the chief engineer for the Montana Railroad. The town even had its own post office. It first opened in 1896. The post office served the community for many years before closing its doors in 1957.
Why Lombard Became a Ghost Town
A Town's Decline
During the first half of the 1900s, fewer and fewer people lived in Lombard. This happened because the town became less important for the railroads. As the need for Lombard's railroad services went down, so did its population.
The End of the Line
By 1980, the Milwaukee Road line that ran through Lombard was no longer used. At this time, Lombard was already completely empty. No one lived there anymore. That's why it is known as a ghost town today. It stands as a quiet reminder of its busy past.
