Whitehall, Montana

Whitehall began as a rail depot created by the Northern Pacific and Montana Railroad on September 25, 1889. The name for the depot came from E.G. Brooke, who was inspired by a similar town in which he stayed in Illinois while making his way westward. On September 3, 1890, the Jefferson County Commissioners accepted and filed the Townsite of Whitehall.{{cite web |title=Whitehall|url=http://mtplacenames.org/ |website=Montana Place Names Companion |publisher=Montana Historical Society |access-date=April 11, 2021}}

Whitehall is in the Jefferson Valley, an area between the Tobacco Root and Highland Mountain ranges, and sits in the heart of the Deerlodge National Forest. The forest features pine and various species of fir, spruce and juniper.{{cite web |title=Forest Resources of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_series/forest_resources/beaverhead_deerlodge.pdf |publisher=USDA Forest Service |access-date=September 11, 2023 |page=5 |date=August 2001}}

Waterbodies include seven nearby rivers and multiple mountain lakes. These waters contain several types of trout.{{cite web |title=Big Pipestone Creek |url=https://myfwp.mt.gov/fishMT/waterbody/searchByID?waterBodyID=51755 |publisher=Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks |access-date=September 11, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Jefferson River |url=https://myfwp.mt.gov/fishMT/waterbody/Jefferson%20River |publisher=Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks |access-date=September 11, 2023}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of {{convert|0.67|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.{{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}}

{{Wide image|Whitehall3.JPG|750px|Whitehall Montana looking SW.}}

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Whitehall has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=36057&cityname=Whitehall%2C+Montana%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Whitehall, Montana]

{{Weather box

|location = Whitehall, Montana

|single line = Y

|collapsed = yes

|Jan high F = 32.2

|Feb high F = 37.4

|Mar high F = 43.2

|Apr high F = 56.5

|May high F = 65.4

|Jun high F = 71.5

|Jul high F = 84.1

|Aug high F = 83.2

|Sep high F = 71.4

|Oct high F = 60.1

|Nov high F = 44.1

|Dec high F = 37.2

|year high F= 57.2

|Jan mean F = 20.9

|Feb mean F = 25.9

|Mar mean F = 31.3

|Apr mean F = 43

|May mean F = 51.5

|Jun mean F = 57.6

|Jul mean F = 66.7

|Aug mean F = 65.4

|Sep mean F = 55.4

|Oct mean F = 45.8

|Nov mean F = 32.8

|Dec mean F = 26.6

|Jan low F = 9.6

|Feb low F = 14.5

|Mar low F = 19.4

|Apr low F = 29.5

|May low F = 37.7

|Jun low F = 43.8

|Jul low F = 49.3

|Aug low F = 47.5

|Sep low F = 39.5

|Oct low F = 31.4

|Nov low F = 21.4

|Dec low F = 16

|year low F= 29.9

|precipitation colour =green

|Jan precipitation inch = 0.3

|Feb precipitation inch =0.2

|Mar precipitation inch =0.5

|Apr precipitation inch =0.8

|May precipitation inch =1.8

|Jun precipitation inch =2

|Jul precipitation inch =0.9

|Aug precipitation inch =0.8

|Sep precipitation inch =1.1

|Oct precipitation inch =0.5

|Nov precipitation inch =0.2

|Dec precipitation inch =0.3

|year precipitation inch=9.5

|Jan snow inch=4.5

|Feb snow inch=4.2

|Mar snow inch=5.4

|Apr snow inch=2.8

|May snow inch=0.7

|Jun snow inch=0

|Jul snow inch=0

|Aug snow inch=0

|Sep snow inch=0.7

|Oct snow inch=1.5

|Nov snow inch=2.3

|Dec snow inch=4.5

|year snow inch=26.6

|source 1= Weatherbase {{cite web |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=36057&cityname=Whitehall%2C+Montana%2C+United+States+of+America&units=us |title=Whitehall Montana Historical Weather |publisher=Weatherbase |access-date= April 15, 2015 }}

}}

{{US Census population

|1910= 417

|1920= 629

|1930= 553

|1940= 818

|1950= 928

|1960= 898

|1970= 1035

|1980= 1030

|1990= 1067

|2000= 1044

|2010= 1038

|2020= 1006

|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 1,038 people, 473 households, and 283 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|1549.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 538 housing units at an average density of {{convert|803.0|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 94.0% White, 0.2% African American, 1.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 473 households, of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the town was 45.7 years. 23% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.6% were from 25 to 44; 33% were from 45 to 64; and 17.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 51.9% male and 48.1% 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 1,044 people, 450 households, and 297 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|1,527.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 507 housing units at an average density of {{convert|741.7|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was 94.54% White, 2.49% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 2.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.72% of the population.

There were 450 households, out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $29,940, and the median income for a family was $38,833. Males had a median income of $30,682 versus $19,643 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,527. About 8.8% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

{{Wide image|Piedmont_pond2.JPG|750px|3=Tobacco Root Mountains from [http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/siteDetail.html?id=7621929 Piedmont Pond].}}

Jefferson Valley Museum displays the history of the area, from the Native American tribes to the arrival of the railroads.{{cite web |title=Jefferson Valley Museum |url=https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/museum/jefferson-valley-museum |publisher=Montana Office of Tourism |access-date=September 11, 2023}} More than 10,000 artifacts are displayed in a restored dairy barn.{{cite web |title=Home page |url=https://jeffersonvalleymuseum.org/ |publisher=Jefferson Valley Museum |access-date=September 11, 2023}}

The Lewis and Clark Caverns are limestone caves open for guided tours during the summer. There are trails for hiking or bicycling, camping, and plenty of wildlife watching.{{cite web |title=Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park |url=https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns/ |publisher=Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks |access-date=September 11, 2023}}

The Ringing Rocks area has unique rocks that resonate like a bell when struck.{{cite web |title=Ringing Rocks |url=https://www.blm.gov/visit/ringing-rocks |publisher=Bureau of Land Management |access-date=September 11, 2023}}

Whitehall Community Library is a public library which serves the town.{{cite web |title=Whitehall Community Library |url=https://sites.google.com/site/whitehallmontanalibrary/ |publisher=Whitehall Community Library |access-date=April 13, 2021}}

The multiple nearby rivers give great opportunity for fishing. There are four lakes within 60 miles which allow for boating.{{cite web |title=Area Info |url=https://www.whitehallchamberofcommerce.com/area-info |publisher=Whitehall Chamber of Commerce |access-date=September 11, 2023}} The town is also near five ski resorts and three recreational hot springs. Whitehall is between two mountain ranges. Both have hiking trails, backpacking, and camping opportunities.{{cite web |title=Tobacco Root Landscape |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1005479.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913224511/https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1005479.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 13, 2024 |publisher=US Forest Service |access-date=September 11, 2023}} The Sage Wall, a natural stone batholith, is located nearby.{{cite web|url=https://sagemountain.org/sage-wall-and-trails/|title=Sage Mountain Center|publisher=Sage Mountain Center}}

Whitehall Public Schools{{cite web |title=Home page |url=https://www.whitehallschools.org/ |publisher=Whitehall School District |access-date=September 11, 2023}} has two components: Whitehall Elementary School District and Whitehall High School District.{{cite web|url=https://apps.opi.mt.gov/SchoolDirectory/frmdirectorydistrictpdf.aspx|title=Directory of Montana Schools|publisher=Montana Office of Public Instruction|date=2024-03-13|access-date=2024-03-13|pages=143/317}} The school districts for the community are Whitehall Elementary School District and Whitehall High School District{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st30_mt/schooldistrict_maps/c30043_jefferson/DC20SD_C30043.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jefferson County, MT|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2024-10-04}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st30_mt/schooldistrict_maps/c30043_jefferson/DC20SD_C30043_SD2MS.txt Text list]

The district includes Whitehall Elementary School (grades K-6), Whitehall Middle School (grades 7-8), and Whitehall High School (grades 9-12). They are a Class B school{{cite web |title=Member Schools |url=https://www.mhsa.org/memberschools |publisher=Montana High School Association |access-date=April 19, 2021}} (108-306 students) which helps determine athletic competitions..

Whitehall's mascot is the Trojans, with school colors of purple and gold.

The local newspaper is The Whitehall Ledger.{{cite web |title=News |url=https://www.whitehallledger.com/ |publisher=The Whitehall Ledger |access-date=September 11, 2023}} It is a weekly newspaper.

Two radio stations are licensed from Whitehall. KESW-LP is part of Jefferson County Radio, a network of stations owned by Jefferson County Disaster & Emergency Services.{{cite web |title=KESW-LP |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=134811 |publisher=FCC |access-date=September 11, 2023}} KQLR is a K-Love station, owned by a non-profit Christian ministry.{{cite web |title=KQLR |url=https://enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov/dataentry/public/tv/publicFacilityDetails.html?facilityId=94233 |publisher=FCC |access-date=September 11, 2023}}

Interstate 90 passes by the town with access via exit 249. The terminus of Montana Highway 55 is in Whitehall, while Montana Highway 69 begins. Montana Highway 2 travels through town from east to west.

The nearest airport is Bert Mooney Airport in Butte.{{FAA-airport|ID=BTM|use=PU|own=PU|site=12286.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective April 5, 2012.

Whitehall Medical Clinic provides local medical care. St. James Healthcare is the hospital in Butte.{{cite web |title=Butte |url=https://www.sclhealth.org/locations/st-james-healthcare/#:~:text=St.,%7C%20Butte%2C%20MT%20%7C%20SCL%20Health |publisher=Intermountain Health |access-date=September 11, 2023}}

• Sam Adams (1963– ), former mayor of Portland, Oregon.{{cite journal|url=http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/issues/current-issue/articles/sam-adams-0109/3/|title=Becoming Sam Adams|journal=Portland Monthly|last=Rubin|first=Harriet|date=January 2009}}
• Chet Huntley (1911–1974), broadcaster, graduated from Whitehall High School.Oyan, Katie (December 19, 1999). - "Chester R. 'Chet' Huntley". - Great Falls Tribune.
• Rob "Robbie" Johnson (b. 1983), Major League Baseball player, played Little League in Whitehall.Foley, Bill (April 17, 2009). "Life in the Big Leagues: Butte's Robbie Johnson living the dream". - The Montana Standard.
• Bill Pullman (b. 1953), actor, has a ranch near town and lives there part-time.Associated Press (October 20, 2002). - Entertainment: "Yeltsin visits Armenian brandy distillery". - c/o Amarillo Globe-News.

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Whitehall, Montana}}

• {{Official website|https://townofwhitehall.org/}}
• [http://www.rotaryclubofwhitehall.org/ Whitehall Rotary Club]

{{Jefferson County, Montana}}

Category:Towns in Jefferson County, Montana

Category:Helena, Montana micropolitan area