Hamilton, Montana

Hamilton
City
Downtown Hamilton
Location of Hamilton, Montana
Coordinates: 46°14′54″N114°9′35″W / 46.24833°N 114.15972°W / 46.24833; -114.15972
Country	United States
State	Montana
County	Ravalli
Government
• Mayor	Dominic A Farrenkopf [1]
Area [2]
• Total	2.60 sq mi (6.73 km2)
• Land	2.54 sq mi (6.58 km2)
• Water	0.06 sq mi (0.15 km2)
Elevation [3]	3,570 ft (1,090 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	4,659
• Density	1,832.81/sq mi (707.68/km2)
Time zone	UTC−7 (Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−6 (MDT)
ZIP code	59840
Area code	406
FIPS code	30-33775
GNIS feature ID	0784496 [3]
Website	www.cityofhamilton.net

Hamilton is a city that serves as the county seat of Ravalli County, Montana, United States. ^[4] The population was 4,659 at the 2020 census. ^[5]

History

Daly Mansion in Hamilton

Hamilton was founded by copper king Marcus Daly in the late 19th century. ^[6] It was named for J.W. Hamilton, who provided the right-of-way to the railroad. ^[7] Daly is said to have wanted to begin business in the then county seat of Grantsdale, but was denied the opportunity. He supposedly founded Hamilton out of his own pocket as a reaction to being rebuffed at Grantsdale.

In the summer of 2000, Hamilton made international headlines when forest fires throughout the Bitterroot Valley filled the area with smoke and prompted the evacuation of many residents. President Clinton declared a state of emergency in the area and dispatched National Guard troops to assist with fighting the fires.

Geography and climate

Hamilton is located at 46°14′54″N114°9′35″W / 46.24833°N 114.15972°W / 46.24833; -114.15972 (46.248412, -114.159852). ^[8]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.57 square miles (6.66 km²), of which 2.53 square miles (6.55 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km²) is water. ^[9]

According to the Köppen climate classification, Hamilton has a humid continental climate.

Climate data for Hamilton, Montana (1981–2010)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	36.7 (2.6)	41.8 (5.4)	51.4 (10.8)	59.1 (15.1)	67.6 (19.8)	75.2 (24.0)	85.1 (29.5)	83.7 (28.7)	72.8 (22.7)	59.3 (15.2)	44.2 (6.8)	34.0 (1.1)	59.2 (15.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	18.8 (−7.3)	20.7 (−6.3)	26.9 (−2.8)	32.7 (0.4)	39.5 (4.2)	45.6 (7.6)	50.2 (10.1)	48.6 (9.2)	40.8 (4.9)	31.8 (−0.1)	24.3 (−4.3)	16.8 (−8.4)	33.1 (0.6)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	0.88 (22)	0.86 (22)	0.97 (25)	0.99 (25)	1.67 (42)	1.61 (41)	0.99 (25)	1.06 (27)	1.01 (26)	0.76 (19)	1.19 (30)	1.17 (30)	13.17 (335)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	3.0 (7.6)	3.2 (8.1)	1.5 (3.8)	0.3 (0.76)	0.2 (0.51)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.1 (0.25)	2.3 (5.8)	3.5 (8.9)	14.3 (36)
Source: NOAA [10]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	50		—
1900	1,257		—
1910	2,240		78.2%
1920	1,700		−24.1%
1930	1,839		8.2%
1940	2,332		26.8%
1950	2,678		14.8%
1960	2,475		−7.6%
1970	2,499		1.0%
1980	2,661		6.5%
1990	2,737		2.9%
2000	3,705		35.4%
2010	4,348		17.4%
2020	4,659		7.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [11] [5]

2010 census

As of the census ^[12] of 2010, there were 4,348 people, 2,175 households, and 1,006 families living in the city. The population density was 1,718.6 inhabitants per square mile (663.6/km²). There were 2,456 housing units at an average density of 970.8 per square mile (374.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 2,175 households, of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.6% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 53.7% were non-families. 47.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.92 and the average family size was 2.72.

The median age in the city was 43 years. 20.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.4% were from 45 to 64; and 24.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4% female.

2000 census

As of the census ^[13] of 2000, there were 3,705 people, 1,772 households, and 855 families living in the city. The population density was 1,603.6 inhabitants per square mile (619.2/km²). There were 1,915 housing units at an average density of 828.8 per square mile (320.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.22% White, 0.11% African American, 0.89% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 1.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.65% of the population.

There were 1,772 households, out of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.3% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.7% were non-families. 47.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.2% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 28.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,013, and the median income for a family was $30,665. Males had a median income of $25,795 versus $22,138 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,689. About 14.3% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Hamilton is, as of 2004, home to two microbiological research and production facilities: the government-run Rocky Mountain Laboratories, and a branch of the Corixa Corporation (bought in the late 1990s from Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Inc.). The Corixa Corporation was bought by GlaxoSmithKline in 2005. NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) completed construction of a Biosafety Level 4 biohazard laboratory as part of the Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) facility in 2008. This facility has begun operations using highly-pathogenic organisms including the Lentivirus family of viruses. ^[14]

Hamilton had one of the last remaining Kmart stores in the United States, which was the only remaining one in the state of Montana and the entire Mountain time zone. ^[15] However, plans to close the Kmart store were announced in January 2022, with its final day of business conducted on March 6, 2022. ^[16]

Government

Dominic Farrenkopf became Mayor in 2018. ^[1] Hamilton's City Council has three Wards with two representatives from each Ward. ^[17]

Arts and culture

The Ravalli County Museum, founded in 1955, is located in the former Ravalli County Courthouse and focuses on county history, natural history and art. ^[18] The Daly Mansion, home of Marcus Daly, offers tours. This luxurious mansion has over 50 rooms, 26 acres of lawns, and several outbuildings. ^[19]

Being located in the dramatically scenic Bitterroot Valley Hamilton is a great place for outdoor activity. Nature hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities are boundless. River Park and Skalkaho Bend offer trails in town. ^[20]

A large skatepark, Circle 13, is at Claudia Driscoll Park. ^[21] It is one of the skateparks built by Montana Pool Service, a project founded by Jeff Ament. ^[22]

The 700-seat Hamilton Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School is home for the annual Bitterroot Performing Arts Series, produced by the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council, as well as other school and public productions throughout the year.

Infrastructure

Hamilton is located directly on U.S. Route 93. It is intersected by Montana Secondary Highway 269.

Ravalli County Airport is a public use airport 1 mile east of town. ^[23]

Daly Hospital, part of Bitterroot Health, provides healthcare service in Hamilton. ^[24]

Education

• Hamilton High School
• The Bitterroot College Program of the University of Montana is located in Hamilton. ^[25] In May 2012, it was renamed Bitterroot College University of Montana. ^{[26] [27]}

The Bitterroot Public Library serves the town of Hamilton. It was one of the 17 Carnegie libraries built in Montana. ^[28]

Media

Hamilton's newspaper is the Ravalli Republic. ^[29] It is a daily broadsheet offered as print or e-edition as well as having online news.

Five radio stations are licensed in Hamilton: KBAZ ^[30] with mainstream rock, KHKM ^[31] with adult hits, KLYQ ^[32] is news/talk, KMZO ^[33] is a religious channel, and KUFN ^[34] public radio.

Notable people

• Willy Burgdorfer, ^[35] scientist who discovered the cause of Lyme disease
• Herald Rea Cox, bacteriologist
• Marcus Daly, one of the "Copper Kings" of Butte, Montana, owned the Bitterroot Stock Farm near Hamilton
• Scott Lee Kimball, ^[36] Colorado-born serial killer who lived in Hamilton during his teenage years.
• Henry L. Myers, ^[37] United States Senator from Montana
• Jerry J. O'Connell, United States Representative from Montana, editor and publisher of local newspaper
• Val Skinner, golfer, winner of six LPGA Tour events
• Suzanna Son, ^[38] film actress known for Red Rocket
• Michael D. Stevens, former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

References

1. "HAMILTON, MONTANA". City of Hamilton. City of Hamilton. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
2. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
3. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hamilton, Montana
4. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
5. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved November 2, 2021.
6. "Hamilton". Montana Place Names Companion. Montana Historical Society. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
7. "Profile for Hamilton, Montana". ePodunk. Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
9. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
10. "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Retrieved May 5, 2013.
11. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
12. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 18, 2012.
13. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
14. "Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH". NIH. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
15. "Kmart".
16. "Hamilton Kmart to close in early March". January 10, 2022.
17. "City of Hamilton - City Council". City of Hamilton. City of Hamilton. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
18. "home page". Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
19. "The Preservation of a Beautiful History". Daly Mansion. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
20. "River Park & Trail". City of Hamilton. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
21. Miller, Katie. "Hamilton Skate Park Officially a Reality". KPAX. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
22. "home page". Montana Pool Service. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
23. FAA Airport Form 5010 for HRF PDF . Federal Aviation Administration. Effective August 10, 2023
24. "home page". Bitterroot Health. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
25. Bitterroot College Program
26. Montana University System’s Board of Regents Approve Re-branding of Montana’s Two-Year Colleges and Programs of Higher Education, As Part of the Montana University System’s College!NOW Initiative, Helena, Montana: Montana University System Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, May 25, 2012
27. Montana Renames Technical Colleges, Inside Higher Ed , July 13, 2012
28. "Bitterroot Public Library". Bitterroot Public Library. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
29. "News". Ravalli Republic. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
30. "KBAZ Hamilton, MT". FCC. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
31. "KHKM Hamilton, MT". FCC. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
32. "KLYQ Hamilton, MT". FCC. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
33. "KMZO Hamilton, MT". FCC. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
34. "KUFN Hamilton, MT". FCC. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
35. Yardley, William (November 20, 2014). "Willy Burgdorfer, Who Found Bacteria That Cause Lyme Disease, is Dead at 89". The New York Times.
36. Aguilar, John (March 15, 2010). "Chapter 9: Damaged". Daily Camera . Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
37. "Myers, Henry Lee". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
38. Feinberg, Scott (November 22, 2021). "Next Big Thing: Suzanna Son on Her Breakout Role Opposite Simon Rex in 'Red Rocket'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 13, 2022.

External links

• Hamilton, Montana community website