GERALDINE, Montana Community Information

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  Scenic View

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

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  Local Businesses

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

Geraldine is the center of a huge wheat-producing region. It was named for Almira Geraldine Rockefeller (or perhaps her daughter, Ethel Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge), the wife of William Rockefeller, who was the director of the Milwaukee Railroad, which ran through the town; the name was bestowed with the friendly sanction of the Rockefeller family. It had no particular significance to the town. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)

The Geraldine Milwaukee Depot, built in 1913, is a great example of one of America's small-town, turn-of-the-century wooden depots. It has a unique design and was given special attention since the town's namesake, Geraldine Rockefeller, was the daughter of the principal Milwaukee stockholder, William A. Rockefeller. The exterior has been fully restored, and the building is located on its original site next to the still active short-line Central Montana Railroad. Displays document the role of railroad played in developing the large agricultural area, and include a freight room and ticket/express office.

Square Butte, near Geraldine, has been designated an Outstanding Natural Area. The flat-topped butte juts 2,400 feet above the surrounding plains. With its soaring buttresses, spires, and pinnacles it is a compelling and imposing site. Scenic Square Butte has exceptional wildlife values with a herd of about 80 mountain goats that can be seen consistently on top. The butte's steep cliffs provide outstanding nesting habitat for raptors.