Located in the rolling plains of north central Montana,
Havre began over 100 years ago as the first trains forged across the Great Plains. Havre
quickly became the transportation hub of the area, providing goods and supplies to the
area trappers, miners and military stationed at Fort Assinniboine, six miles southwest of
town.
Prior to 1910, the area was devoted primarily to raising sheep, cattle
and horses. Ranches soon became lesser in numbers however, as farms started to produce some
of the world's greatest spring and winter wheat.
Although agriculture is the
undisputed financial mainstay in the area, the economy is diversified with farming,
ranching, hospital and health services, education, professional and retail business,
manufacturing, and railroad industries.
Havre is the focal point of commercial activity in the area. As the
largest city on the Hi-Line, it serves as a wholesale distribution and retail center for
communities within 150 miles.
The diverse geography of the Milk River, golden wheat fields and the
rising peaks
of the
Bear Paw Mountains, towering several thousand feet
above the plains surround the city of Havre. The peaks of Mount Baldy, Bates and Otis have
elevations of 6,000 to 7,000 feet and are all within 20 minutes of Havre.
History of Naming Havre
With the advent of the railroad,
Tycoon James Hill felt the name Bullhook Bottoms could be
improved. He asked the town’s founding fathers to select a new name.
The first meeting ended in a brawl. A second meeting was held later:
it was agreed only the original homesteaders Gus Descelles, Exor Pepin,
Tom McDevitt, Joe Demars and Charles Goutchie were to vote. Joe Demars
suggested France since most were Frenchmen. No one agreed. Gus
Descelles suggested Havre after his parents’ hometown. The
motion carried.
Havre
History
researched by HHS Students