DescriptionThe town of Billings was founded in 1882 and named for Frederick Billings, former president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The population grew dramatically in its first few years, changing the small river town into a bustling metropolis of several thousand. Livestock shipping dominated in the early years, but the local economy diversified with a sugar beet plant built in the 1910s and its first oil refinery in 1923. Subsequent refineries appeared on the east edge of town and in nearby Laurel. Billings prospered after World War II, thanks to area oil refineries, highway construction, and railroads, and during the oil, gas, and coal boom of the 1970s. Today Billings is the largest city in Montana. The Billings Townsite Historic District, the Moss Mansion, and Boothill Cemetery are among the sites listed in the National Register. Lake Elmo State Park lies on the city’s east side.Personal NamesBillings, FrederickContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation3123 ft. CountyYellowstone County
