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.