Great Falls history

Foundation and Future Vision

The history of Great Falls began long before the first streets appeared, when the famous expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explored these lands in 1805. The travellers were amazed by the power and beauty of the five waterfalls on the Missouri River; however, a permanent settlement only emerged here at the end of the 19th century. The city was officially founded in 1883 by entrepreneur Paris Gibson, who saw in the turbulent waters not just beauty, but a source of colossal energy.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of Great Falls from an idea into a thriving city was driven by several important circumstances:

• Hydroelectric Potential: The unique landscape allowed for the construction of a cascade of hydroelectric power stations, earning Great Falls the nickname "The Electric City".
• Railway Connection: The close friendship between the city's founder and railway magnate James Hill ensured the arrival of the railway in 1887, opening the way for large-scale trade.
• Industrial Geography: The availability of cheap electricity and water made the city an ideal location for mineral processing and the development of heavy industry.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

Within the first decades of its existence, Great Falls became the economic centre of Montana. The economy was built on a combination of industry, cattle ranching, and flour milling. The cultural image of the city in the early period was largely shaped by the famous "cowboy artist" Charles Russell, who lived and worked here, capturing the spirit of the Wild West and the life of indigenous peoples, which gave the city a special historical character.

Key Dates in the History of Great Falls

• 1805: The expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reaches the Great Falls of the Missouri; the explorers document this natural phenomenon for the first time.
• 1883: Entrepreneur Paris Gibson founds the city, recognising the unique hydroelectric potential of the river.
• 1887: James Hill's railway arrives in Great Falls, linking the region to major markets and accelerating settlement.
• 1890: Launch of the Black Eagle Dam — the first hydroelectric plant, thanks to which Great Falls received the nickname "The Electric City".
• 1908: Completion of the famous copper smelter chimney (Big Stack), which became a symbol of the city's industrial power.
• 1942: Establishment of the air force base (now Malmstrom Air Force Base), which played a key role in the development of the region's infrastructure.
• 1953: Opening of the C.M. Russell Museum, dedicated to the legacy of the legendary artist of the Wild West who lived in this city.
• 1998: Grand opening of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which became an important attraction for tourists interested in the history of the exploration of the West.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Great Falls is a journey from a bold urban planning experiment to a modern regional centre. Here are the key milestones that defined the city's appearance:

• The "City of Parks" Concept: From the very foundation, Paris Gibson included wide streets and extensive park zones in the city plan. This far-sighted decision prevented chaotic construction and created a comfortable urban environment that residents are proud of to this day.
• Era of "The Electric City": The construction of a cascade of dams (Black Eagle, Rainbow, Ryan) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries turned the power of the Missouri River into cheap electricity. This became the main magnet for investors and allowed for the development of a powerful industrial sector.
• Industrial Boom and the "Big Stack": The opening of the copper smelter and the erection of the giant chimney (Big Stack) in 1908 cemented the city's status as the industrial heart of Montana. The plant provided thousands of jobs and defined the city's economy for most of the 20th century.
• Military Transformation: The creation of the airbase (now Malmstrom) in 1942 radically changed the demographics and economy of Great Falls. The military facility became the largest employer and ensured the stability of the region even during periods of industrial decline.
• Transition to a Post-Industrial Economy: The closure of large metallurgical enterprises in the 1970s and 80s was a serious challenge. The city had to carry out large-scale land rehabilitation and reorient towards medicine, education, and the service sector.
• Development of Cultural Tourism: Realising the value of historical heritage led to the creation of iconic sites, such as the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This allowed the city to occupy a niche in educational tourism, attracting travellers with the history of the exploration of the Wild West.

Urban Planning Concept and Layout

Unlike many spontaneously arising settlements of the Wild West, Great Falls developed according to a clear master plan. The city's founder, Paris Gibson, was a visionary urban planner: he designed the city with a perfectly straight grid of streets, laid out unusually wide avenues, and provided for numerous green zones. Thanks to this, Great Falls is known today as the "City of Parks", preserving the spaciousness and order established back in the late 19th century.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The appearance of the city reflects its transformation from an industrial centre into a modern municipality. The main architectural trends clearly correspond to periods of economic upswing:

• Romanesque Revival: Characteristic of the early development period (late 19th century). This style, distinguished by massiveness, the use of rough stone, and arched windows, symbolised the reliability and durability of the new city.
• Beaux-Arts and Neoclassicism: In the early 20th century, when the city grew rich on industry, public buildings began to be built in more pompous European styles, emphasising the status and ambitions of the region.
• PWA Moderne and Art Deco: The period of the Great Depression and the "New Deal" of the 1930s left a bright mark in the form of monumental public buildings combining classical proportions with the geometric rigour of Art Deco.
• Mid-Century Modern: Post-war expansion associated with the development of the airbase brought functional architecture of the mid-20th century to residential and commercial districts.

Iconic Buildings Shaping the Cityscape

Several key structures serve as visual illustrations of the architectural history of Great Falls:

• Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art: Built in 1896 as a high school, this building is a magnificent example of the Romanesque style. Made of local sandstone, it stands out for its monumentality and historical charm.
• Cascade County Courthouse: Completed in 1903, this building embodies the French Renaissance and Beaux-Arts styles. Its copper dome, rising above the city, has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Great Falls.
• Great Falls Civic Center: Built in 1939 as part of WPA programmes, the centre represents a standard of the PWA Moderne style. This massive structure combines the functions of a city hall, theatre, and ice arena, demonstrating the aesthetics of the 30s.
• St. Ann's Cathedral: A vivid example of Gothic Revival with characteristic spires and stained glass windows, reminding of the spiritual roots of the first settlers.
• Historic Railroad District: The quarters around the tracks have preserved early 20th-century brick commercial buildings, where hotels and warehouses were located to serve passengers and cargo of the Great Northern Railway.

Distinguished Figures of Great Falls

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the names of people who not only shaped the appearance of Great Falls but also made a significant contribution to the culture, politics, and art of the USA.

• Paris Gibson (1830–1920) — City Founder and Entrepreneur.
  A visionary urban planner who, in 1883, assessed the potential of the waterfalls for hydropower and founded the city. It is to him that Great Falls owes its layout with wide streets and an abundance of parks.
• Charles M. Russell (1864–1926) — Painter and Sculptor.
  One of the most famous artists of the Wild West, nicknamed the "Cowboy Artist". He lived and worked in Great Falls for most of his creative life, creating thousands of paintings and sculptures here documenting the frontier era.
• Mike Mansfield (1903–2001) — Politician and Diplomat.
  A US Senator and Ambassador to Japan, who held the post of Senate Majority Leader longer than anyone in history. Before starting his political career, he worked as an engineer in the mines in Great Falls, which tempered his character.
• Wallace Stegner (1909–1993) — Writer and Historian.
  A Pulitzer Prize winner, often called the "Dean of Western Writers". He spent part of his childhood in Great Falls; impressions of life in Montana formed the basis of many of his works.
• George Montgomery (1916–2000) — Actor and Director.
  A star of "Golden Age" Hollywood westerns. He grew up on a farm near Great Falls. In addition to his film career, he was known as a talented sculptor and furniture maker.
• Gerald R. Molen (born 1935) — Film Producer.
  A Great Falls native who became one of Hollywood's leading producers. He worked on blockbusters such as "Jurassic Park" and the Oscar-winning "Schindler's List".