Billings was founded in 1882 during the Northern
Pacific Railroad building time. It started with almost no building. But after
the railroad had been built within a few months, it settled more than 2000
buildings. Not long after, there is also the discovery of oil fields, great
natural gas and coal reserves. Minerals, coal, natural gas, and oil are
Billings’ natural resources. It was once a large trading point for wool
throughout the nation. The energy companies’ headquarters are
in Billings. During 1910, Billings became the 6th most rapid growing
community in the country. The population at that time was 10,031.
This is what Billings looks like during 1915:
The Billings Canal that was the irrigation canal was
built in 1900s that plays an important part for supporting the economy now days
because it provides necessary irrigation for farmers and residents. After 1945, the city had a rapid growth in
financial, medical, and cultural center, which the growth rate was at 66
percent at that period. During 1975 to 1986, the coal fire generation plants
were created. Within that period, there was more growth in Billings so the
high-rise buildings were built. The large prairie land is suitable for feeding
and raising livestock. People started moving in during the 1900s and start
their own farmland. There were immigrant laborers that move there to work on
the fields, such as the Japanese, Russo-Germans, and then Mexicans. The
industry grew and the population increase.
