Co Water District of Billings Heights

Co Water District of Billings Heights Municipal Water Report Info
Nestled in Montana's heartland, Great Falls is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The city sits between fertile farmlands and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west and Little Belt Mountains to the east. Founded along the mighty Missouri River, Great Falls derives its name from the river's impressive 500-foot descent through rapids and five magnificent waterfalls.

Great Falls serves as a vibrant hub for over 58,000 residents, offering diverse recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Known as "The Electric City," Great Falls boasts a rich history dating back to Lewis and Clark's famous 1805 expedition through the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, where vast buffalo herds roamed the prairies.

The Great Falls region had been home to various Native American tribes, primarily the Blackfeet, for generations. Lewis and Clark were the first recorded white explorers to witness the "great falls" of the Missouri – reporting they heard the falls' roar from over seven miles away. Their expedition spent nearly a month portaging around these falls, celebrating the Fourth of July at White Bear Island before departing in mid-July 1805.

The city's development began with Paris Gibson, who arrived in May 1882. Gibson created a city plan that he presented to James Hill, a railroad industry magnate. Hill provided financial backing, recognizing that a city in this location would create an important railway connection. Unlike many western cities, Great Falls was planned methodically, with Gibson ensuring streets were arranged in precise patterns and setting aside 886 acres for city parks. Gibson personally ensured elm, ash, and fir trees were planted along every street.

Today's cultural landscape has evolved from Great Falls' history, particularly through the life and works of western artist Charles M. Russell, the legendary cowboy who made Great Falls his home. The city offers visitors the perfect blend of urban amenities and natural solitude – a glimpse of America's earlier, fresher days while embracing continuous discovery.