DescriptionLocated at the freight-wagon crossing of the Judith River between Fort Benton and the Musselshell River country, this community was once known as the “Gateway to the Judith Basin.” In 1881, E. J. Morrison bought a house and saloon from the Clegg family, established a post office, and named the new community Philbrook, his wife’s maiden name. Philbrook experienced a burst of growth, adding 2 hotels, 2 stores, a saloon, and 2 blacksmith shops. In 1908, however, the Great Northern Railway’s Billings and Northern branch line established another town 4 miles west. Local rancher and legislator S. S. Hobson and 3 partners purchased this townsite from the railroad and formed the Philbrook Townsite Company. Residents, however, could not agree on the name. As the opponents squared off, the signboard read Hobson one morning and Philbrook the next. The railroad solved the problem when it decided on Hobson.Personal NamesMorrison, E. J.Hobson, S. S.Other Name(s)PhilbrookContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation4098 ft.CountyJudith Basin County
