HARLEM, Montana Community Information

Harlem is about halfway between Havre and Malta. It was founded in 1889 and grew up as a trading center for the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The first post office was a show box in Smith's General Merchandise Store; when the volume of mail outgrew the box, an empty beer case fitted with pigeon holes took its place. The depot was a box car. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)

Harlem is located just north of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, located between the Milk River and Little Rocky Mountains, is home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes. Guided tours are available to Snake Butte, Mission Canyon, Bear Gulch and St. Paul's Mission. Watchable wildlife include a buffalo herd, deer, antelope, migratory waterfowl and upland birds. Annual events include Milk River Indian Days and Hays' Powwow and Fair, both in July.

Milk River Indian Days highlights spirited and colorfully clad dancers. The Powwow features Native American dancers and drummers combining culture, dance, and music for a spectacular display. Also taking place during the month of July, the Hays Powwow is one of the area's finest outdoor celebrations and features a whole weekend full of dancing, singing, and hand drum contests by natives from throughout the United States and Canada.