Great Falls

Great Falls, city in north-central Montana, at the confluence of the Missouri and Sun rivers, seat of Cascade County. The city sits near falls of the Missouri River (from which its name is derived) that empower a large hydroelectric project and serves as an agricultural and commercial center for the region. Malmstrom Air Force Base, located nearby, is important to the city's economy. The University of Great Falls (1932), the Montana School for Deaf and Blind Children, and the Charles M. Russell Museum are here. The city has a substantial Native American population. Nearby are Giant Springs, one of the largest freshwater springs in the world; and Lewis and Clark National Forest. The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) portaged around the falls here in 1805. The community was laid out in 1882 and was reached by railroad in 1887. Great Falls was incorporated as a city in 1888. In 1891 the first hydroelectric plant in Montana was constructed here, and a major copper smelter and refinery began operation. Population 56,725 (1980); 55,097 (1990); 56,690 (2000); 56,215 (2006).