The Powder River County examiner and the Broadus independent., 1922-08-25
HOW DEER LODGE
WAS CnRlSTlNED
Growth Vvas Slow Unti1 The Chicago,
lfilwankee = ot. Paul Locabed
eho1s These; Place Of Mech
Boauty with Vale and River and
llountain Range

Affectionately known in the early
days ~ ''The Little Town On the Trait
te Bear" from the sold-bearins
gulch for which the new city was the
entrepot, Deer Lodge was designed
- home community BY it, founders.
and one Of the first steps toward the
beeutifying Of the place was the
DlAlting Of trees which now line
shaded avenues and give lasting i'm
preooions OF comfort and picturesque
viotas.
The environment Of Deer Lodge IL
ideal. with magnificent peaks along
the horizon, . river flowing beside
the southern border, and thriving,
valley extending toward the hills
with their innumerable streams flow
ing from upland lakes that are acces-
sible for the devotees Of outdoor
and their number 10 practically In
elusive Of the entire population dur
ing the summer months.
Origin Of Name
The original settlement on the site
bore the name Of Cottonwood, and
the tree which gave the name u still
prominent in the arboriculture Of the
community. The present name IL
said by historians to be derived from
the hot spring now in the northern
part OF Deer Lodge county. from
which Silver Bow, Powell and Gran
ite were later carved. This hillock.
with steam rising from the mound.
Impressed the Indians ~ akin to their
own lodges, and the deer abundant
IN it, vicinity suggested the name
Deer Lodge. which was adopted for
the new city when It was permanently
established by the pioneers from the
east. who sought IN making It q COM
munity' Of real homes to follow the
lines Of the places they had left. That
they have succeeded is amply attest
cd by the thriving county seat of
Powell, with its wide streets, well
kept lawns and towering trees.
Surrounding the city are large
ranches with grain and alfalfa as
the principal products. Stock raising
also plays an important part in the
prosperity Of the farmers. and Deer
Lodge is the trading point for ex-
tensive districts, 40 we'll as for min
ers and prospectors in the adjacent
hills.
Factors in Culture
The Powell county high school is
located here, and the public graded
schools rank with It among the best
Of the state. st. Mary's academy Is
also an important factor In the edu-
cational system. The cultural side
Of the community ID further emphas-
ised by the Beautiful Kohrs Memorial
library. and by the Woman's Club
house, one of the most artistic in the
west, and the headquarters Of q pro-
gressive and effective organization.
The homes of the city are charm
ing, many Of them embodying In
unique architecture that blends with
sylvan surroundings the "lodge" mo-
tit in striking designs.
The main business street, IN ex-
ceptionally wide thoroughfare. ID
paved with concrete, and improved
on either side with substantial build
tngs. with modern hotel located q
its intersection with the shaded street
that leads from the railroad stations
northward through district Of fine
residences.
In the allotment Of various insti.
tutions after Montana was made q
state. the penitentiary was located IN
Deer Lodge. and . great group Of
buildings has sprung up In the east
ern part Of the city, with massive
walls and battlements overlooking
the river and the valley. Executive
offices are in the building across the
street from the entrance. set amid
gigantic trees.
Railroad Center
Great impetus to the commercial
prosperity and importance Of Deer
Lodge was given by the building OF
the c., NJ. 4 st. p. Puget Sound ex-
tension westward from Mobridge. s.
D., in the first decade of the new
century. Here was located the prin-
cipal division point in the state, with
shops, storehouses and executive Of
nces. It 10 the terminal for runs
In either direction of freight and
passenger crews. and has the largest
mechanical plant between the Twin
Cities and Tacoma. The payroll OF
the road in Deer Lodge is an import
ant factor In the growing commercial
life Of the community, and the influ-
annA AM n&~,fn A~A RwnAo~wo1 ~rnv,,k1,