Columbus, Montana

The community originated as a stagecoach station on the Yellowstone River.

The original name was Sheep Dip, then changed to Stillwater, but because of a Stillwater, Minnesota on the Northern Pacific Railroad, the mail presented a problem. The name was ultimately changed to Columbus, Montana in 1893.{{cite web |title=Columbus |url=http://mtplacenames.org/ |website=Montana Place Names Companion |publisher=Montana Historical Society |access-date=April 2, 2021}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of {{convert|1.35|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|1.32|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.03|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=December 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 25, 2012 }}

Columbus is located between the Yellowstone River, the old Yellowstone Trail, Highway 10, and now Interstate 90.

The confluence of the Yellowstone River and Stillwater River is at Columbus.{{GNIS|791524 |name=Stillwater River}}

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Columbus has a warm-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

{{Weather box

|location = Columbus, Montana, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1930–present

|single line = Yes

|collapsed = yes

|Jan record high F = 68

|Feb record high F = 79

|Mar record high F = 83

|Apr record high F = 90

|May record high F = 96

|Jun record high F = 102

|Jul record high F = 109

|Aug record high F = 106

|Sep record high F = 102

|Oct record high F = 92

|Nov record high F = 79

|Dec record high F = 71

|Jan avg record high F = 57.7

|Feb avg record high F = 60.8

|Mar avg record high F = 70.5

|Apr avg record high F = 79.1

|May avg record high F = 84.6

|Jun avg record high F = 92.3

|Jul avg record high F = 97.6

|Aug avg record high F = 96.1

|Sep avg record high F = 92.0

|Oct avg record high F = 81.9

|Nov avg record high F = 67.5

|Dec avg record high F = 57.1

|year avg record high F = 98.6

|Jan high F = 36.8

|Feb high F = 40.3

|Mar high F = 50.5

|Apr high F = 58.0

|May high F = 66.8

|Jun high F = 75.9

|Jul high F = 85.4

|Aug high F = 84.1

|Sep high F = 74.2

|Oct high F = 60.0

|Nov high F = 46.4

|Dec high F = 36.6

|year high F =

|Jan mean F = 23.4

|Feb mean F = 26.7

|Mar mean F = 35.6

|Apr mean F = 43.1

|May mean F = 52.0

|Jun mean F = 60.4

|Jul mean F = 67.7

|Aug mean F = 65.9

|Sep mean F = 56.7

|Oct mean F = 44.7

|Nov mean F = 32.6

|Dec mean F = 23.7

|year mean F =

|Jan low F = 10.0

|Feb low F = 13.0

|Mar low F = 20.6

|Apr low F = 28.2

|May low F = 37.2

|Jun low F = 44.9

|Jul low F = 50.0

|Aug low F = 47.7

|Sep low F = 39.2

|Oct low F = 29.4

|Nov low F = 18.8

|Dec low F = 10.7

|year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = -16.0

|Feb avg record low F = -8.4

|Mar avg record low F = 0.9

|Apr avg record low F = 15.5

|May avg record low F = 24.9

|Jun avg record low F = 35.2

|Jul avg record low F = 42.8

|Aug avg record low F = 39.0

|Sep avg record low F = 28.3

|Oct avg record low F = 13.4

|Nov avg record low F = -2.9

|Dec avg record low F = -11.3

|year avg record low F = -24.1

|Jan record low F = -38

|Feb record low F = -45

|Mar record low F = -33

|Apr record low F = -13

|May record low F = 9

|Jun record low F = 28

|Jul record low F = 34

|Aug record low F = 31

|Sep record low F = 18

|Oct record low F = -14

|Nov record low F = -33

|Dec record low F = -42

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 0.62

|Feb precipitation inch = 0.67

|Mar precipitation inch = 0.93

|Apr precipitation inch = 1.97

|May precipitation inch = 2.82

|Jun precipitation inch = 2.25

|Jul precipitation inch = 1.15

|Aug precipitation inch = 0.93

|Sep precipitation inch = 1.36

|Oct precipitation inch = 1.49

|Nov precipitation inch = 0.69

|Dec precipitation inch = 0.65

|year precipitation inch =

|Jan snow inch = 7.0

|Feb snow inch = 8.8

|Mar snow inch = 7.7

|Apr snow inch = 4.5

|May snow inch = 0.5

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.2

|Oct snow inch = 3.8

|Nov snow inch = 5.9

|Dec snow inch = 9.2

|year snow inch =

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 5.1

|Feb precipitation days = 6.0

|Mar precipitation days = 7.2

|Apr precipitation days = 9.6

|May precipitation days = 11.6

|Jun precipitation days = 11.0

|Jul precipitation days = 8.7

|Aug precipitation days = 6.9

|Sep precipitation days = 6.4

|Oct precipitation days = 7.4

|Nov precipitation days = 5.1

|Dec precipitation days = 5.9

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 3.6

|Feb snow days = 5.0

|Mar snow days = 3.7

|Apr snow days = 2.2

|May snow days = 0.3

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.1

|Oct snow days = 1.6

|Nov snow days = 2.6

|Dec snow days = 5.0

|source 1 = NOAA

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00241938&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access

|access-date = August 5, 2022

}}

|source 2 = National Weather Service

{{cite web

|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=byz

|publisher = National Weather Service

|title = NOAA Online Weather Data

|access-date = August 5, 2022

}}

}}

{{US Census population

|1910= 521

|1920= 987

|1930= 834

|1940= 962

|1950= 1097

|1960= 1281

|1970= 1173

|1980= 1439

|1990= 1573

|2000= 1748

|2010= 1893

|2020= 1857

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}

}}

As of the census{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 18, 2012}} of 2010, there were 1,893 people, 767 households, and 517 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|1434.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 843 housing units at an average density of {{convert|638.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 96.5% White, 0.1% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

There were 767 households, of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.6% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the town was 40.4 years. 26% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }} of 2000, there were 1,748 people, 709 households, and 455 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|1,449.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 762 housing units at an average density of {{convert|631.9|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 96.62% White, 0.23% African American, 1.26% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.60% of the population.

There were 709 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.0% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $46,103. Males had a median income of $37,750 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,689. About 9.8% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under age 18 and 15.7% of those age 65 or over.

Columbus has a mayor and city council. The mayor in 2023 is Webb Mandeville.{{cite web |title=City Council – Government |url=https://stillwatercountychamber.com/calendar/ |publisher=City of Columbus |access-date=August 24, 2023}} There are 3 wards represented for the city council.

The Museum of the Beartooths is a history museum located in Columbus.{{cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.museumofthebeartooths.com/ |publisher=Museum of the Beartooths |access-date=August 24, 2023}} They feature artifacts and replicas of life in the Stillwater area.

Having both the Yellowstone River and the Stillwater River just outside of town, fishing is a popular activity.

Stillwater County Library is a public library which serves the area.{{cite web |title=Library |url=https://www.stillwatercountymt.gov/department/library/ |publisher=Stillwater County |access-date=April 13, 2021}}

Woltermann Memorial Airport is a public use airport located southeast of town.

The 100 kW solar array at the Stillwater Smelter was the first “behind-the-meter” industrial scale solar installation project in Montana.{{Cite web|title=Columbus MT Solar - Sibanye Stillwater Installation|url=https://onsiteenergyinc.com/project-41|url-status=live|access-date=September 5, 2021|website=OnSite Energy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411194130/https://onsiteenergyinc.com/project-41 |archive-date=April 11, 2019 }}{{Cite web|date=January 31, 2018|title=Sibanye-Stillwater Smelter Installs Montana's First Behind-the-Meter Industrial Scale Solar Array|url=https://montanarenewables.org/system-profiles/rooftop-solar/sibanye-stillwater-smelter-installs-montanas-first-behind-the-meter-industrial-scale-solar-array/|url-status=live|access-date=September 5, 2021|website=Montana Renewable Energy Association|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026163045/http://montanarenewables.org:80/system-profiles/rooftop-solar/sibanye-stillwater-smelter-installs-montanas-first-behind-the-meter-industrial-scale-solar-array/ |archive-date=October 26, 2019 }}

Columbus Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Columbus High School's team name is the Cougars.{{cite web |title=Member Schools |url=https://www.mhsa.org/memberschools |publisher=Montana High School Association |access-date=April 19, 2021}}

The Stillwater County News is a newspaper serving the area.{{cite web |title=Stillwater County News |url=https://www.stillwatercountynews.com/ |publisher=Stillwater County News |access-date=August 24, 2023}} It is printed weekly and also available online.

The radio station KMTJ is licensed in Columbus.{{cite web |title=KMTJ |url=https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/fm-profile/KMTJ |publisher=FCC |access-date=August 24, 2023}} The town receives stations from the wider Billings area.

• Annie Duke, professional poker player, lived here with her husband.
• Dwan Edwards, professional football player, attended high school here.{{cite web |title=Dwan Edwards |url=https://www.mtfootballhof.com/dwan-edwards |publisher=Montana Football Hall of Fame |access-date=August 24, 2023}}
• William Thomas Hamilton, known as Wildcat Bill, a 19th-century frontiersman, scout, and author.{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/273038710/?terms=Wildcat%2BBill%2BHamilton |title=Today's Anniversaries |date=December 6, 1935 |work=Wausau Daily Herald |access-date=May 21, 2018 |page=5 |url-access=subscription |via=newspapers.com}}
• Jack Vaughn, Ambassador to Panama and Colombia, and Director of the Peace Corps{{cite web|url=http://www.albionmich.com/history/histor_notebook/970903.htm |title=Albion Morning Star. "Jack Hood Vaughn" August 3, 1997 |access-date=May 1, 2001 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010501003823/http://www.albionmich.com/history/histor_notebook/970903.htm |archive-date=May 1, 2001 }}.

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.townofcolumbus.com/}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070311195230/http://www.beartooth.org/Columbus/columbus_profile.htm Columbus demographic profile]
• [https://stillwatercountychamber.com/ Stillwater County Chamber of Commerce]
• [https://stillwatercountylibrary.org Stillwater County Library]

{{Stillwater County, Montana}}

{{Montana county seats}}

Category:Towns in Stillwater County, Montana

Category:County seats in Montana