GRANITE COUNTY 



Granite county was created from the western part of Deer Lodge county in 

 1893. It lies east of the Bitter Root valley and much of its territory is mountainous. 

 It has a number of fertile valleys where ranching and grain raising is carried on to 

 a large extent. The slope of the land is from the high mountains in the south to 

 Hellgate river in the north. In the mountain area is much beautiful scenery, 

 excellent hunting and streams in which trout are abundant. There is also a large 

 supply of timber. 



The county, however, is chiefly noted for its mineral wealth. Since some years ago 

 it has achieved a world wide reputation in this respect, the Granite Bi-Metalic mine 

 at Philipsburg having produced to date between $50,000,000 and $70,000,000. The 

 reduction works are being remodeled and the oil flotation system of treating ores 

 has been installed. It seems certain therefore that this famous mining property Avill 

 soon take its old place as a heavy producer. The mining of manganese ore 

 within the last year has been taken up vigorously and more than 200 tons are 

 being shipped daily from the immense deposits east of Philipsburg to the eastern 

 markets. Experiments are being conducted to reduce the manganese ores by 

 electricity, working toward a new industry the manul'acture of lerro-manganese. 

 A $350,000 plant is planned. 



In the West Fork district of Granite county great quantities of sapphires have 

 been mined. The stones, which are found in gravel deposits, from which they are 

 taken by hydraulic mining, are of value as gems when of the first quality and as 

 abrasives when of inferior grades. 



Much attention has been paid to the breeding of improved strains of horses and 

 cattle. Belgian, Percheron, Shire and standard bred stallions have sired young 

 horses that have sold for high figures. At least half of the range cattle is Hereford 

 stock. 



The valleys of Flint and Rock creeks and Hellgate river contain many acres of 

 irrigated lands that yield pro use crops of grain and grasses. Flint creek valley, 

 extending from Drummond to Philipsburg, embraces the most productive agricultural 

 section. The soil is alluvial, rich and deep, and convenient railroads transport grain, 

 grasses and vegetables to the market close at hand. Oats make large yields and 

 crops of 75 to 100 bushels per acre are not uncommon. In Rock Creek valley are 

 many fine ranches. The average production of grain is high, but hay is the chief 

 crop. Hellgate valley has an easterly and westerly trend and a width, in places, 

 of more than a mile of rich alluvial soil. The Northern Pacific and the Chicago, 

 Milwaukee and Puget Sound railways run through it; and its productive lands offer 

 advantages that are equalled at few places. 



The advantages of the county for fruit growing are attracting attention. The 

 suitability of the soil and climate for the successful production of fruits on a com- 

 mercial scale is shown by several orchards. 



Improved irrigated land ranges in price from $50 to $100, unimproved irrigated 

 land, $20 to $40 and unimproved dry land $10 to $20 an acre. 



Philipsburg, the county seat and principal town is a terminus of a branch line 

 of the Northern Pacific and has an estimated population of 1,550. It is located on 

 a commanding position on a terrace of Flint Creek valley, has good drainage, 

 water system, electric light plant, court house, fine homes, business houses, two 

 bunks, two big garages and a fine theater. Not a vacant house is to be found in 

 the town and rooms are high. 



The public schools of Philipsburg and the Granite county high school afford 

 excellent opportunities for obtaining a good education. Hall, in the Flint Creek 

 valley, is in the center of a proliiic farming section, has an up-to-date creamery, and 

 has a number of business establishments, is within easy reach of lignite coal mines, 

 and controls the trade of a populous farming district. Drummond, on the main line 

 of the Northern Pacific railroad where the Philipsburg branch starts, is the trading 

 place for the northern end of the county, has mercantile houses, a newspaper, and 

 men who will be glad to tell of the advantages the neighboring country has to offer 

 to the homeseeker. 



The estimated population of the county is 4,500. Practically all land suitable 

 for homesteading has been taken. The unappropriated land lies in the forest re- 

 serve and is too mountainous, for the most part, for homesteading. 



The area of the county is 1,728 square miles. 



The assessed valuation of the county in 1918 is $4,962,993 including the 

 railroad valuation. 



