Broadwater County, Montana is located in the southwestern part of the state, bordered by Jefferson County to the east and Lewis and Clark County to the west. The county seat is Townsend. The county is known for its beautiful scenery and wide open spaces, with many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The terrain of Broadwater County is varied and includes hills, mountains, valleys, plains and river basins. The Rocky Mountain Front forms its western border with Lewis and Clark County. Several mountain ranges are found within Broadwater County’s borders including the Big Belt Mountains to the north, the Crazy Mountains to the east and south, and the Elkhorn Mountains to the southwest. The Missouri River flows through Broadwater County from north to south providing access to a variety of recreational activities including fishing, rafting and kayaking. There are also several smaller streams that flow through Broadwater County providing additional opportunities for fishing or exploring nature.
Broadwater County has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures in July can reach into the 90s while temperatures in January can dip below zero degrees Fahrenheit on occasion. Precipitation levels are low in general but there are occasional snowfall events during winter months that bring much needed moisture to this region of Montana.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Broadwater County, Montana
The county seat of Broadwater County is Townsend, a small town located in the northern part of the county. The town has a population of just over 1,500 people and is known for its charming downtown area. Here you will find many locally owned businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. There are also several historical buildings in Townsend, including the Broadwater County Courthouse which dates back to 1891.
The largest city in Broadwater County is White Sulphur Springs, located in the southern part of the county near the Big Belt Mountains. White Sulphur Springs has a population of just over 3,000 people and is home to several attractions including Chico Hot Springs Resort and Spa, Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, and Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
According to countryaah.com, other cities in Broadwater County include Radersburg with a population of around 380 people and Winston with a population of approximately 140 people. Radersburg is located on the eastern side of the county near Homestake Pass while Winston sits on the western side near Elkhorn Mountain. Both towns feature historic buildings such as churches and old stores that provide a glimpse into life from earlier times.
Broadwater County also features many small unincorporated communities such as Martinsdale, Canyon Creek, York (also known as Yorktown), Divide City, Black Butte Ranch and others that provide additional opportunities to explore Montana’s unique culture and history.
History of Broadwater County, Montana
Broadwater County, Montana has a long and storied history. The area was originally inhabited by the Piegan Blackfeet Native American tribe, who hunted and fished in the area for centuries before contact with Europeans. In 1805, Lewis and Clark passed through the area on their epic expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase.
In 1864, gold was discovered in what is now known as Radersburg, leading to a gold rush that quickly transformed the area into a bustling mining town. By 1866, thousands of miners had flocked to Broadwater County in search of their fortune. The boom proved short-lived however, as most of the mines were depleted within a few years and many miners returned home empty-handed.
In 1881, Broadwater County was officially formed from parts of Jefferson and Meagher counties. The county seat was established in Townsend soon after. By this time, ranchers had taken over much of the land that had previously been used for mining and farming began to take root throughout Broadwater County.
Today, Broadwater County is a diverse mix of small towns and rural areas that still bear traces of its past mining days. Despite its remote location, Broadwater County still draws visitors from around the world who come to explore its unique history and spectacular scenery.
Economy of Broadwater County, Montana
Broadwater County, Montana has a diverse economy that is driven by a combination of agriculture, tourism, and energy production. Agriculture is the county’s main source of income, with cattle and wheat being two of the most important products. Livestock production is particularly significant, with approximately one-third of all farms in the county raising cattle or sheep.
Tourism also plays an important role in Broadwater County’s economy. The area is home to some of Montana’s most beautiful landscapes and is popular among outdoor enthusiasts who come to take advantage of its vast array of recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, and camping.
Energy production also contributes significantly to Broadwater County’s economy. The county is home to several wind farms that generate electricity for the local grid and support hundreds of jobs in the area. In addition, coal mining remains an important part of the local economy due to its long history in the area as well as its ability to provide jobs for many locals.
Overall, Broadwater County has an impressive economic base with multiple sources of income that help support its residents and businesses alike. Its unique combination of agricultural production, tourism attractions, and energy production make it an ideal place for people from all walks of life to call home.