D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 6
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"Time was, when to write yourself down, in 'the states,' as from Miles City, Montana,
was to endow you with a reputation for 'toughness' and to induce the more curious
stranger to interrogate you on the presumed conditions of lawlessness that were
believed to prevail here." —
The Yellowstone Journal, Sept., 27, 1900
T
oday, Miles City (or MC as the locals call it) has overcome
this perception and likes to bill itself at the "friendliest town
in the West." e name Miles City comes from Colonel Nelson A. Miles,
who was sent out West from Nebraska to establish the US Army post Fort
Keogh in August, 1876. With the arrival of the Army came the need for goods
and services, and thus was the beginnings of MC, as entrepreneurs ventured
West to establish the businesses that would service the army.
MC is a welcome break from the long stretch of I-94 that runs across
southeastern Montana. It's an ideal jumping off spot for a quick bite, filling
the tank, stretching the legs or perhaps spending the night in one of the chain
hotels. But to understand the heart of the city and why it's sometimes referred
to as the "cow capital of the world," give yourself the gift of time to explore
Miles City. is is best done by heading over to Main Street and checking out
what makes the city tick.
U
U
F R I E N D L I E S T T OW N
I N T H E W E S T
photography and text by DONNIE SEXTON
M I L E S
C I T Y
