Montana City, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Montana City, Montana
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Location of Montana City, Montana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Jefferson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 34.12 sq mi (88.37 km2) |
| • Land | 34.10 sq mi (88.31 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2) |
| Elevation | 4,049 ft (1,234 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,918 |
| • Density | 85.58/sq mi (33.04/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
59634
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| Area code(s) | 406 |
| FIPS code | 30-51175 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0787566 |
Montana City is a small community in Jefferson County, Montana, USA. It is called a census-designated place (CDP). This means the US Census Bureau tracks its population. In 2020, about 2,918 people lived there. Montana City is also part of the larger Helena area.
Contents
History of Montana City
Montana City has a very long history. It sits on one of the oldest known sites in Montana.
Early Native American History
Around 9,000 BCE, Native Americans visited this area. They came to collect a special rock called chert. Chert is like flint. It was used to make tools such as spear tips, arrowheads, and knives.
Gold Rush Era
In 1862, American explorers found gold here. Later that year, Captain Jason L. Fisk of the U.S. Army arrived. He brought a group with mules from Minnesota. They built the first houses, which became Montana City.
During the 1860s, Montana City became a very important mining town. This was during the height of the gold rush. In 1864, the Montana Town Company officially planned the city. They named it after the new territory.
As the gold became harder to find around 1868, many Chinese miners came to work. The town grew again in the 1880s. This happened when railroads arrived and a post office opened. At its busiest, Montana City had 3,000 residents. It even tried to become the state capital!
Modern Montana City
For much of the 1900s, Montana City was almost a ghost town. But in 1940, the Permanente Cement Company built a cement factory there. Today, Montana City is a bedroom community. Many people who live there travel to work in nearby Helena.
Geography and Nature
Montana City is located in the northern part of Jefferson County. It is near other communities like South Hills and Clancy. The town of East Helena is also close by.
The area of Montana City is about 88.3 square kilometers (34.1 square miles). Most of this is land. A small amount, about 0.06 square kilometers, is water. A stream called Prickly Pear Creek flows through the community. This creek eventually joins the Missouri River.
People of Montana City
The number of people living in Montana City has grown over time.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 2,918 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 2,715 people living in Montana City. This was a big increase from the 2,094 people counted in 2000. The population density was about 33 people per square kilometer. Most residents are White. A small percentage are Native American or from other backgrounds.
Families are a big part of Montana City. Many households have children under 18. The average household has about three people.
Education in Montana City
Students in Montana City attend local schools for their early education.
Local Schools
Montana City School teaches students from kindergarten to 5th grade. Montana City Middle School serves students from 6th to 8th grade. In the 2021-2022 school year, about 467 students were in the school district.
High School and Library
For high school, students from Montana City go to Jefferson High School. This school is located in Boulder.
The North Jefferson County Library also has a branch in Montana City. This provides a place for kids and adults to read and learn.
Media and News
Montana City gets its news from nearby Helena.
Newspapers and Radio
The local newspaper for the town is the Independent Record. It is published in Helena.
Montana City also has two radio stations. KHGC is a Christian radio station. KWLG is part of the Jefferson County Radio network.
Transportation and Services
Getting around Montana City and to other places is easy.
Roads
Interstate 15 runs through Montana City. This major highway goes from north to south. Montana Highway 518 connects Montana City to East Helena.
Healthcare
For healthcare needs, residents of Montana City usually go to facilities in Helena.
See also
In Spanish: Montana City (Montana) para niños
