Plains, Montana, located in Sanders County, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by local American Indian tribes who recognized the value of the grasses in the Clark Fork River valley for wintering their horses. These grasses provided essential nourishment for their horses during the colder months.
The town of Plains was officially founded in 1907, initially known as Horse Plains. However, it was commonly referred to as Wild Horse Plains due to the abundance of wild horses in the area. The name eventually evolved to simply Plains when the United States Postal Service established a presence in 1905.
Throughout its history, Plains has experienced steady growth, with a current estimated population of 1,137 in 2021. The town is home to the Plains School District, which operates a K-12 campus and enrolls approximately 400 students. The high school within the district, classified as a Class C school, offers students the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities.
Plains is characterized by its climate, which features warm and dry summers, along with cold and mostly cloudy winters. The annual temperature range varies from 21°F to 85°F, with extreme temperatures rarely dropping below 4°F or exceeding 93°F. The town receives an average of 12 inches of precipitation each year, with June receiving the highest amount (2 inches) and December the lowest (0.5 inches).
Overall, Plains, Montana, has undergone significant transformation since its early days as a wintering location for American Indian tribes' horses. Today, it is a thriving community that values education, offers various opportunities for its residents, and enjoys a unique climate that attracts both locals and visitors alike.
The town of Plains was officially founded in 1907, initially known as Horse Plains. However, it was commonly referred to as Wild Horse Plains due to the abundance of wild horses in the area. The name eventually evolved to simply Plains when the United States Postal Service established a presence in 1905.
Throughout its history, Plains has experienced steady growth, with a current estimated population of 1,137 in 2021. The town is home to the Plains School District, which operates a K-12 campus and enrolls approximately 400 students. The high school within the district, classified as a Class C school, offers students the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities.
Plains is characterized by its climate, which features warm and dry summers, along with cold and mostly cloudy winters. The annual temperature range varies from 21°F to 85°F, with extreme temperatures rarely dropping below 4°F or exceeding 93°F. The town receives an average of 12 inches of precipitation each year, with June receiving the highest amount (2 inches) and December the lowest (0.5 inches).
Overall, Plains, Montana, has undergone significant transformation since its early days as a wintering location for American Indian tribes' horses. Today, it is a thriving community that values education, offers various opportunities for its residents, and enjoys a unique climate that attracts both locals and visitors alike.