Red Lodge, County seat in Carbon County, Montana
Red Lodge is a town in Carbon County, Montana, situated at about 5,600 feet (1,700 meters) elevation at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains. Rock Creek runs along its eastern edge, creating a natural boundary and water feature for the community.
The town developed after the 1882 treaty with the Crow Nation opened the area to coal mining, attracting workers and investment. It grew rapidly to become a major mining center in the region.
Immigrants from Italy, Finland, Norway, and Germany arrived in the late 1800s to work in coal mines and built communities here that shaped local food, festivals, and neighborhood character. Their influence remains visible in the town's architecture and the way residents celebrate their heritage.
The Beartooth Highway connects this town to Yellowstone National Park via a dramatic mountain drive. It serves as a gateway for hiking, outdoor recreation, and seasonal mountain activities throughout the year.
A mining disaster at Smith Mine in 1943 caused significant loss of life and remains one of the region's darkest chapters. The event is deeply remembered by the community and serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by coal workers.
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