Choteau, Montana
Choteau, Montana | |
|---|---|
 Aerial view of Choteau | |
 Location of Choteau, Montana | |
| Coordinates:47°49′N112°11′W/ 47.817°N 112.183°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Montana |
| County | Teton |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.46 sq mi (3.77 km2) |
| • Land | 1.46 sq mi (3.77 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,819 ft (1,164 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 1,721 |
| • Density | 1,182.82/sq mi (456.63/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7(Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6(MDT) |
| ZIP code | 59422 |
| Area code | 406 |
| FIPS code | 30-14650 |
| GNISfeature ID | 0800592 |
| Website | choteaumt |
Choteauis a city in and thecounty seatofTeton County,Montana,United States.[2]The population was 1,721 at the2020 census.[3]
Choteau is named for French fur merchant, trader and explorerPierre Chouteau, Jr.,who is also the namesake ofChouteau County,Montana.[4]Fort Pierre, South Dakota,andPierre, South Dakota,are also named after Chouteau. Originally a trading post established by A. B. Hamilton in 1873, the town was platted in 1883.[5]
Geography[edit]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the city has an area of 1.83 square miles (4.74 km2), all land.[6]
TheTeton Riverruns nearby, although for some distance upstream of Choteau it is dry during much of the year.
Being located along theRocky Mountain Front,Choteau is near several mountains. Some of them areMount Frazier,Old Baldy,andRocky Mountain.TheEar MountainWildlife Management Area seeks to protect local wildlife, especiallymule deerandbighorn sheep.[7]
About 15 miles (24 km) west is theTeton Pass Ski Area.The area has downhill skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowmobile trails.[8]
Just to the south is Freezout Lake, a bird watcher's paradise. Hundreds of thousands of birds gather at the lake during peak migration.[9]230 species have been documented at the lake.[9]
Climate[edit]
Choteau experiences asemi-arid climate(KöppenBSk) with cold, dry winters and warm, more humid summers.
| Climate data for Choteau, Montana, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 79 (26) |
73 (23) |
82 (28) |
86 (30) |
92 (33) |
98 (37) |
105 (41) |
106 (41) |
96 (36) |
90 (32) |
80 (27) |
72 (22) |
106 (41) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 58.4 (14.7) |
58.4 (14.7) |
65.8 (18.8) |
74.0 (23.3) |
81.5 (27.5) |
86.0 (30.0) |
93.0 (33.9) |
91.8 (33.2) |
87.2 (30.7) |
78.1 (25.6) |
66.0 (18.9) |
57.3 (14.1) |
93.2 (34.0) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 37.4 (3.0) |
38.9 (3.8) |
47.0 (8.3) |
55.8 (13.2) |
65.1 (18.4) |
72.3 (22.4) |
82.0 (27.8) |
81.0 (27.2) |
71.6 (22.0) |
58.0 (14.4) |
45.0 (7.2) |
37.4 (3.0) |
57.6 (14.2) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 25.4 (−3.7) |
26.5 (−3.1) |
34.0 (1.1) |
42.4 (5.8) |
51.1 (10.6) |
58.2 (14.6) |
65.2 (18.4) |
64.0 (17.8) |
55.7 (13.2) |
44.3 (6.8) |
33.3 (0.7) |
26.0 (−3.3) |
43.8 (6.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 13.4 (−10.3) |
14.2 (−9.9) |
21.0 (−6.1) |
28.9 (−1.7) |
37.0 (2.8) |
44.1 (6.7) |
48.3 (9.1) |
46.9 (8.3) |
39.8 (4.3) |
30.6 (−0.8) |
21.6 (−5.8) |
14.6 (−9.7) |
30.0 (−1.1) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −16.1 (−26.7) |
−11.3 (−24.1) |
−4.0 (−20.0) |
11.7 (−11.3) |
24.0 (−4.4) |
33.4 (0.8) |
38.8 (3.8) |
37.1 (2.8) |
26.8 (−2.9) |
10.0 (−12.2) |
−3.6 (−19.8) |
−12.0 (−24.4) |
−24.8 (−31.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −44 (−42) |
−50 (−46) |
−36 (−38) |
−16 (−27) |
8 (−13) |
28 (−2) |
28 (−2) |
28 (−2) |
−5 (−21) |
−15 (−26) |
−30 (−34) |
−43 (−42) |
−50 (−46) |
| Averageprecipitationinches (mm) | 0.28 (7.1) |
0.41 (10) |
0.52 (13) |
1.15 (29) |
2.14 (54) |
2.75 (70) |
0.99 (25) |
1.06 (27) |
1.16 (29) |
0.74 (19) |
0.41 (10) |
0.32 (8.1) |
11.93 (301.2) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 6.4 (16) |
7.6 (19) |
8.1 (21) |
6.6 (17) |
1.4 (3.6) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.9 (2.3) |
4.2 (11) |
6.9 (18) |
5.4 (14) |
47.5 (121.9) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 4.7 | 6.2 | 5.9 | 7.6 | 8.9 | 10.8 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 4.8 | 79.2 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 5.4 | 6.0 | 4.9 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 32.1 |
| Source 1: NOAA[10] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: National Weather Service[11] | |||||||||||||
Demographics[edit]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 1,043 | — | |
| 1930 | 926 | −11.2% | |
| 1940 | 1,181 | 27.5% | |
| 1950 | 1,618 | 37.0% | |
| 1960 | 1,966 | 21.5% | |
| 1970 | 1,586 | −19.3% | |
| 1980 | 1,798 | 13.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,741 | −3.2% | |
| 2000 | 1,781 | 2.3% | |
| 2010 | 1,684 | −5.4% | |
| 2020 | 1,721 | 2.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12][3] | |||
2010 census[edit]
As of thecensus[13]of 2010, there were 1,684 people, 791 households, and 441 families residing in the city. Thepopulation densitywas 920.2 inhabitants per square mile (355.3/km2). There were 888 housing units at an average density of 485.2 per square mile (187.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.0%White,2.1%Native American,0.2%Asian,0.1%Pacific Islander,0.3% fromother races,and 2.3% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 1.7% of the population.
There were 791 households, of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% weremarried couplesliving together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.2% were non-families. 39.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.75.
The median age in the city was 49.1 years. 19.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 29.8% were from 45 to 64; and 25.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.4% male and 53.6% female.
2000 census[edit]
As of thecensus[14]of 2000, there were 1,781 people, 807 households, and 464 families residing in the city. Thepopulation densitywas 994.3 people per square mile (383.9/km2). There were 897 housing units at an average density of 500.8 per square mile (193.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.94%White,0.06%African American,2.92%Native American,0.11%Asian,0.22% fromother races,and 2.75% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 1.18% of the population.
There were 807 households, out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% weremarried couplesliving together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.4% were non-families. 39.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.82.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 21.4% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there ware 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,708, and the median income for a family was $35,655. Males had a median income of $22,429 versus $17,098 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $14,999. About 12.7% of families and 17.6% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 30.2% of those under the age of 18 and 12.5% of those 65 and older.
Arts and Culture[edit]
Choteau is part of theMontana Dinosaur Trail.The town is near one of the world's most important paleontology sites,Egg Mountain.[15]The Old Trail Museum in Choteau is home to the Montana state fossil, theMaiasaura.The 3-D display can be viewed during the summer operating season. Also showcased is the Egg Mountain find along with a commentary on its significance in paleontology.[16][17]Besides dinosaurs the museum has artifacts and information about theBlackfeetandMétishistories, local geology, and local history.
Bynum,13 miles (21 km) north, is home toThe Montana Dinosaur Center.They have a skeletal model of what is believed to be the world's longest dinosaur, adiplodocus.[18]
Choteau/Teton Public Library serves the area.[19]
Government[edit]
Choteau has a mayor-council system of government. In 2023 the mayor was Chris Hindoien.[20]Choteau is split into two wards, each with two councilmembers.
In the news[edit]
Choteau made national news in the U.S. because it is the town nearest to a 2,700-acre (11 km2) ranch thatDavid Lettermanpurchased in 1999 as a vacation home. Letterman has talked about the ranch onhis late-night showand showed photos of a black bear invading the place in September 2003.
On his first show after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Letterman gave an impassioned monologue about New York City in the aftermath. He concluded his seven-minute speech by mentioning Choteau's rally to raise money for victims of the attacks, despite the long drought there, as an example of the spirit of the United States.[21]
On March 19, 2009, Letterman married his girlfriend of 23 years at theTeton County Courthousein Choteau.[22]
In 2008, school authorities in Choteau made national news headlines by canceling a speaking engagement by Nobel laureate climate researcherSteve Running,who was scheduled to speak to local high school students.[23]
Education[edit]
Choteau Public Schools serves all grades of children.[24]
In 2022, grades K-8 had 240 students with 19.5 full-time equivalency teachers.[25]The high school had 107 students with 10 teachers.[26]
Media[edit]
TheChoteau Acanthais a newspaper printed weekly or accessed online.[27]
The radio stationsKETI-LP[28]andKUDI[29]are licensed in Choteau. Both are Christian stations.
Infrastructure[edit]
U.S. Route 89and287converge in town.
Choteau Airportis a public use airport one mile (2 km) northeast of town.[30]The nearest commercial airport isGreat Falls International Airport,60 miles (97 km) away.
Benefis Teton Medical Center provides local medical care.[31]
Notable people[edit]
- John Edward Erickson,Governor of Montana,was born in Stoughton.[32]
- J. Frank Glendon,actor
- A. B. Guthrie Jr.,American novelist
- David Letterman,late-night talk show host
- Jay Neitz,vision scientist
- J. K. Ralston,western painter
- Flint Rasmussen,rodeo clown
- Jim Waltermire,Montana Secretary of State
References[edit]
- ^"ArcGIS REST Services Directory".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedSeptember 5,2022.
- ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties. Archived fromthe originalon May 3, 2015.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
- ^ab"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedNovember 2,2021.
- ^"Origins of Names on Milwaukee".Roundup Record-Tribune & Winnett Times.August 22, 1940. p. 6.RetrievedApril 27,2015.
- ^"Choteau".Montana Place Names Companion.Montana Historical Society.RetrievedApril 2,2021.
- ^"US Gazetteer files 2010".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon January 25, 2012.RetrievedDecember 18,2012.
- ^"Ear Mountain Wildlife Management Area".Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"Teton Pass Ski Area".Montana Office of Tourism.RetrievedAugust 24,2023.
- ^ab"Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area".Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.RetrievedAugust 24,2023.
- ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access".National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.RetrievedSeptember 4,2022.
- ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data".National Weather Service.RetrievedSeptember 4,2022.
- ^"Census of Population and Housing".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedDecember 18,2012.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^Dawson, John."Egg Mountain, the Two Medicine, and the Caring Mother Dinosaur".National Park Service.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"Old Trail Museum".Montana Dinosaur Trail.Travel Montana.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"The Old Trail Museum - Maiasaura Exhibit".Archived fromthe originalon July 22, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 17,2010.
- ^Claire Walter (May 20, 2008)."'Dinosaur Highway' Rich in Dig Sites, Museums ".The Dallas Morning News.RetrievedMay 27,2008.
- ^"Choteau/Teton Public Library".Choteau/Teton Public Library.RetrievedApril 12,2021.
- ^"Contact us".City of Choteau.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^Ted (September 11, 2003)."Live from New York".Crooked Timber.
- ^"David Letterman marries longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko".Chicago Tribune.March 24, 2009.
- ^Robbins, Jim (January 17, 2008)."Climate Talk's Cancellation Splits a Town".The New York Times.
- ^"Choteau Schools".Choteau Schools.RetrievedApril 20,2021.
- ^"Choteau School".National Center for Education Statistics.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"Choteau High School".National Center for Education Statistics.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"About".Choteau Acantha.RetrievedAugust 24,2023.
- ^"KETI-LP".FCC.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"KUDI".FCC.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"CII (KCII)".FAA.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"Benefis Teton Medical Center".Benefis.RetrievedSeptember 19,2023.
- ^"Montana Governor John Edward Erickson".National Governors Association.RetrievedOctober 10,2012.
External links[edit]
Municipalities and communities ofTeton County, Montana,United States | ||
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| Other community | ||
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