Tampico, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tampico, Montana
Tampico
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 Tampico, Montana
Location in Montana
Tampico, Montana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Valley |
| Elevation | 2,142 ft (653 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1819609 |
Tampico is a small, unincorporated community in Valley County, Montana, United States. It is located between the towns of Glasgow and Hinsdale. Tampico was originally created as a stopping point for the railroad. While the Infobox lists it as a Ghost town, recent information from 2022 suggests a population of around 4,490 people. This makes Tampico a unique place with a history tied to the past, but also a present-day community.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place that is not officially part of any city or town. It doesn't have its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it's usually governed by the county it's in.
- No local government: Decisions are made at the county level.
- Fewer services: Services like police or fire departments might be provided by the county.
- Often smaller: These communities are usually smaller than incorporated cities.
Many small places in the United States are unincorporated. They often grow up around a specific feature, like a railroad stop or a crossroads.
Tampico's Railroad History
Tampico's story is closely linked to the railroad. In the past, railroads were super important for travel and moving goods across the country. Towns like Tampico often popped up along these railway lines.
- Stopping points: Trains needed places to stop for water, fuel, and to let passengers on or off.
- Supply centers: These stops became small centers where farmers could ship their crops.
- Community growth: People moved to these areas to work on the railroad or to provide services.
The railroad helped Tampico grow, bringing people and businesses to the area.
Location and Geography
Tampico is located in Valley County, which is in the northeastern part of Montana. This area is known for its wide-open spaces and beautiful natural landscapes.
- Big Sky Country: Montana is famous for its vast skies and open plains.
- Missouri River: The Missouri River flows nearby, which is a major river in the United States.
- Elevation: Tampico sits at an elevation of about 2,142 feet (653 meters) above sea level.
The geography of the region played a big role in how communities like Tampico developed. Flat land was perfect for building railroads.
Is Tampico a Ghost Town?
The Infobox for Tampico mentions it as a "ghost town." A ghost town is usually a place where most or all of the people have left. They are often abandoned because a local industry, like a mine or a railroad, closed down.
- Why towns become "ghosts":
* Natural disasters (like floods or droughts). * Economic changes (when a main industry leaves). * New transportation routes (when a railroad moves).
- Tampico's situation: While the Infobox calls it a ghost town, the 2022 population estimate of 4,490 suggests it's still an active community. This might mean it was once a ghost town, or that the term is used loosely for very small, quiet places.
Many small towns in Montana have seen their populations change over time. Some become ghost towns, while others, like Tampico, continue to have residents.
