I am wondering if anyone can tell me anything about the old MDU/Montana Power Plant (?) that was at the corner of Bridge and 9th, between Bridge and the railroad tracks, and had a big smokestack next to it. It was there in the 40s-70s or later, but I do not have exact dates. Any information, or source for information, would be appreciated. Thank you.

Post card photo originally posted by Hal Neumann:

We toured the old power plant while in CCHS in the very late 50's or early 60's. At that time they informed us that the plant was capable of powering about ½ of the city. By 1965 they had installed a gas turbine generator east of town. As to the date Montana Dakota Utilities demolished plant I do not recall.

The topic of the MDU smokestack has come up on these forums a number of times and it was often wondered just exactly when the smokestack was taken down.

From the October 13, 2022, Miles City Star Stardust column:

50 YEARS AGO (1972)

Workmen taking down the
Montana Dakota Utilities
Company chimney in the 800
block on Bridge Street are
making progress. After starting
work on Sept. 11, the
four-man crew is removing
about six feet a day.

ETA: The stack was 217 feet tall according to the Sanborn Fire Map that Hal posted above.

[Edited by David Schott (1/25/2023 6:59:37 PM)]

My Grandpa, Henry Anderson, worked at the plant in the 60's and 70's that I know of. I visited it many times when he was working there. I was even able to blow the 10 pm whistle on some evenings. Lots of great memories visiting him and my Grandma in Miles City.

I believe it was replaced by a gas turbine unit east of town in the early to mid 60's.