Powder River County, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Powder River County
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Powder River Courthouse in Broadus
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Location within the U.S. state of Montana
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 Montana's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Montana |
| Founded | March 17, 1919 |
| Named for | Powder River |
| Seat | Broadus |
| Largest town | Broadus |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3,298 sq mi (8,540 km2) |
| • Land | 3,297 sq mi (8,540 km2) |
| • Water | 0.6 sq mi (2 km2) 0.02% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,694 |
| • Estimate
(2022)
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1,725  |
| • Density | 0.51364/sq mi (0.19832/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| Congressional district | 2nd |
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Powder River County is a county located in the state of Montana, USA. It is named after the Powder River. As of the 2020 census, about 1,694 people lived there. The main town and county seat is Broadus.
Contents
A Look at Powder River County's Past
Powder River County's land was likely first explored by Europeans in the early 1800s. These were French trappers who worked along its streams.
Early Conflicts and Settlements
In 1865, the US government sent soldiers to the Powder River country. This was part of the Powder River Expedition. Their goal was to fight Native American tribes like the Cheyenne, Lakota Sioux, and Arapaho. In September 1865, several small battles happened near where Broadus is today. These were called the Powder River Battles. Later, on March 17, 1876, a bigger fight known as the Battle of Powder River took place. It was about 34 miles (55 km) southwest of Broadus.
The first official settlement in the area was Powderville. It started on November 1, 1878. Powderville was a telegraph station on a line connecting Fort Keogh to Deadwood, South Dakota. In April 1879, some events known as the Mizpah Creek Incidents began near this station.
Forming the County
Custer County was set up in early 1877. It covered most of southeastern Montana Territory. In February 1900, the Broadus Post Office opened. The area's first newspaper started in October 1918. On March 17, 1919, Powder River County was officially formed. It was created from the southern part of Custer County. In 1920, the people voted for Broadus to be the county seat.
Exploring Powder River County's Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Powder River County covers a total area of 3,298 square miles (8,542 km²). Almost all of this, 3,297 square miles (8,539 km²), is land. Only a tiny part, 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²), is water.
Main Roads and Travel
U.S. Highway 212
Montana Highway 59
Powder River County Transit offers special transportation services. These services are available throughout the county when people request them.
Neighboring Counties
- Custer County - north
- Carter County - east
- Crook County, Wyoming - southeast
- Campbell County, Wyoming - south
- Sheridan County, Wyoming - southwest
- Big Horn County - west
- Rosebud County - northwest
Protected Natural Areas
Part of the Custer National Forest is located within Powder River County.
People of Powder River County
In 2020, the county had a population of 1,694 people. Back in 2010, there were 1,743 people living in the county. At that time, about 95% of the people were white. A small number were American Indian, Asian, or Black. About 1.4% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino origin.
The average age of people in the county in 2010 was about 49 years old.
Towns and Communities
Town
- Broadus (This is the county seat, meaning it's the main town where the county government is located.)
Census-designated place
- Biddle (A census-designated place is an area that looks like a town but isn't officially incorporated as one.)
Unincorporated communities
- Bay Horse
- Belle Creek
- Cameron Crossing
- Coalwood
- Elkhorn Crossing
- Epsie
- Moorhead
- Olive
- Otter
- Powderville
- Sayle
- Sonnette
- Willow Crossing
Famous People from Powder River County
- Jess Lockwood: A professional bull rider who won the PBR World Championship in 2017 and 2019.
- Lee Randall: A member of the Republican Party who served in the Montana House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017.
- Ronnie Rossen: A World Champion PRCA Bull rider in 1961 and 1966.
- Jason Evans: A six-time qualifier for the National Steer Roping Finals.
- Steve Held: A professional actor and rancher. He is also a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Montana in 2024, representing the Democratic Party.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Powder River para niños
