National Register of Historic Places listings in Custer County, Montana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that tell a story? In Custer County, Montana, there are many special spots that are so important, they've been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that are important to history, architecture, or what makes a community unique.
These places could be old homes, schools, bridges, or even entire neighborhoods. They are chosen because they teach us about the past and how people lived. In Custer County, there are 18 such places. Let's explore some of them and discover the history they hold!
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Exploring Historic Places in Custer County
Fort Keogh: A Frontier Outpost
One of the most exciting historic places in Custer County is Fort Keogh. This old fort is located a few miles southwest of Miles City. It was built way back in 1876. Imagine what life was like then, with soldiers and pioneers living on the frontier!
Fort Keogh was very important for protecting settlers and keeping peace in the area. It played a big role in the history of the American West. Today, it's a reminder of those early days and the challenges people faced.
Historic Districts: Stepping Back in Time
Custer County has several "historic districts." These are not just one building, but whole areas or neighborhoods where many old buildings are preserved. Walking through these districts is like stepping back in time!
Carriage House Historic District
The Carriage House Historic District in Miles City is one such place. It includes streets like Main, N. 9th, Palmer, and Montana Avenue. This area shows us how people lived and traveled long ago. Many homes here might have had carriage houses, which were like garages for horse-drawn carriages.
East Main Street Residential Historic District
Another residential area is the East Main Street Residential Historic District. This district, from 1600 to 2315 E. Main Street, features many beautiful old homes. They show different styles of architecture from the past.
Main Street Historic District
The Main Street Historic District is right in the heart of Miles City. It includes Main Street from Prairie Avenue to 4th Street. This area was once the busy center of town. It has many historic commercial buildings. These buildings housed shops, offices, and businesses that were vital to the community. The Custer County Courthouse is a notable building in this district.
Unique Buildings with Stories
Beyond districts, many individual buildings in Custer County have their own special stories.
Holy Rosary Hospital
The Holy Rosary Hospital, located at 310 N. Jordan, has been a place of healing for many years. It was built in 1909 and has served the community for over a century. Hospitals like this are important parts of a town's history. They show how healthcare has changed over time.
Ismay Jail
The Ismay Jail is a small, unique building. It's located west of its junction with East Street. This little jail tells a story about law and order in a small town. It's a rare example of an early 20th-century rural jail.
Miles City Steam Laundry
The Miles City Steam Laundry at 800 Bridge Street is another interesting site. Built in 1909, it shows how people used to do laundry before modern machines. Steam laundries were big businesses that helped clean clothes for many people in the community.
Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company Building
The Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company building at 908 Main Street is a reminder of how communication has changed. This building, constructed in 1928, was once a hub for telephone calls. It helped connect people in Miles City with the rest of the world.
Northern Pacific Railway Depot
The Northern Pacific Railway Depot at 500 Pacific Avenue is a beautiful old train station. Built in 1910, it was a busy place where people arrived and departed by train. Train depots were vital for travel and trade in the past.
Olive Hotel
The Olive Hotel at 501 Main Street is a grand building. It was built in 1899 and was once a fancy place for travelers to stay. Hotels like the Olive were important social centers and showed the growth of Miles City.
Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart
The Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart, located at 1411 Leighton Boulevard, is a significant religious and educational building. Built in 1902, it served as a convent and a school. It played a big role in educating children in the area for many years.
US Post Office-Miles City Main
The US Post Office-Miles City Main building at 106 N. 7th Street is where people have sent and received mail for decades. Built in 1915, it's an example of the important public buildings that serve a community.