Darby (Salish: snk̓ʷɫxʷexʷem̓i, "Place Where They Would Lift Something"[4][5]) is a town in Ravalli County, Montana, United States. The population was 783 at the 2020 census.[6] Darby is located near the southwestern border of Montana and Idaho, along the Continental Divide.
Darby, Montana | |
|---|---|
 Discovery nature trail (East side towards river) | |
 Location of Darby, Montana | |
| Coordinates: 46°1′19″N 114°10′47″W / 46.02194°N 114.17972°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Ravalli |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Nancy McKinney[1] |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.65 sq mi (1.69 km2) |
| • Land | 0.63 sq mi (1.64 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,885 ft (1,184 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 783 |
| • Density | 1,238.92/sq mi (478.32/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code | 59829 |
| Area code | 406 |
| FIPS code | 30-19300 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0782081[3] |
| Website | www |
Officially established in 1889, the town was named after James W. Darby who signed the post office application.[7]
Geography
editAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.58 square miles (1.50 km2), all land.[8]
Darby is located at the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley. The valley is formed between the Bitterroot Range on the west and the smaller Sapphire Mountains on the east.
The area south of Darby is called nɫpapʔá in Salish.[4]
Climate
editThis climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Darby has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[9]
Visitors to Darby may wish to seek shelter during thunderstorms. In July 2012, "A cowboy and two spectators were taken by ambulance to a Hamilton hospital [...] after lightning hit a power pole at the Elite Bull Connection, sending an electric shock through the grandstands, rodeo chutes and bull pens."[10] On July 14, 2014, 45 cattle on a ranch near Darby were killed in a single lightning strike.[11]
| Climate data for Darby, Montana (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1898–1899, 1914, 1926–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 69 (21) |
70 (21) |
78 (26) |
85 (29) |
95 (35) |
100 (38) |
105 (41) |
103 (39) |
98 (37) |
91 (33) |
74 (23) |
67 (19) |
105 (41) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 33.9 (1.1) |
38.1 (3.4) |
47.2 (8.4) |
53.7 (12.1) |
64.0 (17.8) |
71.6 (22.0) |
81.8 (27.7) |
80.6 (27.0) |
71.4 (21.9) |
57.0 (13.9) |
41.6 (5.3) |
32.2 (0.1) |
56.1 (13.4) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 26.5 (−3.1) |
29.5 (−1.4) |
37.1 (2.8) |
42.5 (5.8) |
51.5 (10.8) |
58.0 (14.4) |
65.7 (18.7) |
64.1 (17.8) |
56.4 (13.6) |
44.8 (7.1) |
33.2 (0.7) |
25.7 (−3.5) |
44.6 (7.0) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 19.2 (−7.1) |
21.0 (−6.1) |
27.1 (−2.7) |
31.3 (−0.4) |
39.0 (3.9) |
44.5 (6.9) |
49.6 (9.8) |
47.6 (8.7) |
41.5 (5.3) |
32.6 (0.3) |
24.8 (−4.0) |
19.2 (−7.1) |
33.1 (0.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −36 (−38) |
−35 (−37) |
−15 (−26) |
2 (−17) |
17 (−8) |
25 (−4) |
31 (−1) |
25 (−4) |
14 (−10) |
−5 (−21) |
−25 (−32) |
−34 (−37) |
−36 (−38) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.08 (27) |
0.87 (22) |
0.85 (22) |
1.04 (26) |
1.60 (41) |
2.09 (53) |
1.14 (29) |
0.90 (23) |
1.23 (31) |
1.50 (38) |
1.55 (39) |
1.26 (32) |
15.11 (384) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 8.4 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 8.3 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 87.3 |
| Source: NOAA[12][13] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 325 | — | |
| 1930 | 285 | −12.3% | |
| 1940 | 481 | 68.8% | |
| 1950 | 415 | −13.7% | |
| 1960 | 398 | −4.1% | |
| 1970 | 538 | 35.2% | |
| 1980 | 581 | 8.0% | |
| 1990 | 625 | 7.6% | |
| 2000 | 710 | 13.6% | |
| 2010 | 720 | 1.4% | |
| 2020 | 783 | 8.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[14][6] | |||
2010 census
editAs of the census[15] of 2010, there were 720 people, 303 households, and 179 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,241.4 inhabitants per square mile (479.3/km2). There were 360 housing units at an average density of 620.7 per square mile (239.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 91.3% White, 0.1% African American, 4.2% Native American, 0.8% Asian, and 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.
There were 303 households, of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.6% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.9% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.94.
The median age in the town was 40.8 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 29.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
2000 census
editAs of the census[16] of 2000, there were 710 people, 279 households, and 176 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,336.5 inhabitants per square mile (516.0/km2). There were 316 housing units at an average density of 230.2/km2 or 594.8/sq mi. The racial makeup of the town was 90.56% White, 0.14% African American, 3.24% Native American, 2.39% from other races, and 3.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.52% of the population.
There were 279 households, out of which 36.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.20.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 32.3% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $25,221, and the median income for a family was $27,500. Males had a median income of $21,071 versus $20,781 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,658. About 19.5% of families and 24.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.6% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture
editThe Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum has an extensive collection of pioneer artifacts.[17] The Darby Ranger Station Museum showcases information about the station and the people who worked there. In addition it serves as a Visitor Center.[18]
The town has an assortment of annual events. In January the Bitterroot Mushers hold the Darby Dog Derby. The event has multiple dog sled races with a variety of distances.[19] During summer the town enjoys Last Fridays at the Main Street Park, which has live music, art, and vendors.[20] In July, the community celebrates with the Strawberry Festival, a fundraiser for the fire department.[21] Strawberry shortcake is served and live bluegrass music is shared in the afternoon. There is also the Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival held north of town. In 2023 thirteen bands performed.[22]
The Darby Rodeo Association sponsors several rodeos during the year.[23] The Yellowstone Darby Xtreme Bareback Event is a PRCA sanctioned event. The Twisted Nut festival in July is used as a fundraiser for testicular cancer.[24]
Darby Community Public Library serves the town.[25]
Parks and recreation
editThe town has five city parks, plus a skatepark and trail system.[26] The Darby Skatepark was built by Evergreen Skateparks, an award-winning international company.[27] Several hiking trails have trailheads near Darby.[28]
The Bitterroot River directly next to town is particularly known for fly fishing. The town is near both the West Fork and East Fork parts of the river, offering variety in fishing options. At only 7 miles (11 km) away, Lake Como offers fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The picturesque lake is in the Bitterroot National Forest.[29] Nearby Painted Rocks State Park has a reservoir with boating and camping available.[30]
South of Darby is Lost Trail Powder Mountain which is used for both downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Government
editDarby has a mayor-council form of government. The Darby Town Council has two wards and an at-large position.[31] In 2023, the Mayor was Nancy McKinney.[1]
Education
editDarby School District educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade.[32] There are three schools in the district, elementary, middle for grades 7 and 8, and high school. In 2022, there were 349 students.[33] Darby High School's team name is the Tigers.[34]
Media
editThe Ravalli Republic newspaper is published in nearby Hamilton and covers Darby news.
The FM radio station KHDV is licensed in Darby.[35] It airs a classic hits music format.
Television filmed in Darby
editYellowstone is an American television series created by Taylor Sheridan that premiered on June 20, 2018, on the Paramount Network. The series went into production in August 2017 at the Chief Joseph Ranch, which stands in as the home of character John Dutton.[36]
Infrastructure
editUS Route 93 passes through town from north to south.
The nearest commercial airport is Missoula Montana Airport, 63 miles (101 km) north.
In 2023, Bitterroot Health began construction on a clinic in Darby.[37] Other healthcare facilities are in Hamilton or Missoula.
Scenic Community Gallery
edit-
Fishing north of Darby (Lost Horse) -
Main street park -
Veterans Memorial at Loggers Day field -
Pioneer Memorial Museum -
District Library -
Community clubhouse -
Discovery nature trail (West side near Rodeo grounds) -
Discovery nature trail (East side towards river) -
Richard Cromwell Memorial Rodeo Grounds -
Tennis courts next to school -
Town Hall (Tanner Ave and Hwy 93)
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Office of the Mayor". Town of Darby. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Darby, Montana
- ^ a b Tachini, Pete; Louie Adams, Sophie Mays, Mary Lucy Parker, Johnny Arlee, Frances Vanderburg, Lucy Vanderburg, Diana Christopher-Cote (1998). nyoʻnuntn q̓éymin, Flathead Nation Salish dictionary. Pablo, MT: Bilingual Education Department, Salish Kootenai College. p. 36.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Salish Audio Files". Salish-Pend d'Oreille Culture Committee. 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
- ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ "Darby". Montana Place Names Companion. Montana Historical Society. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- ^ Climate Summary for Darby, Montana
- ^ Devlin, Sherry (July 15, 2012). "3 injured when lightning hits Darby rodeo grounds". Missoulian. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ^ Backus, Perry (July 22, 2014). "45 cows killed by single lightning strike near Darby". Missoulian. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ^ "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum". Montana Office of Tourism. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Historic Darby Ranger Station Visitor's Center and Museum". US Forest Service. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Presenting the 2022-2023 Season". Bitterroot Mushers. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Annual Events". Town of Darby. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ Mcconnaha, Michelle (July 13, 2023). "Strawberry Festival benefits Darby Fire Department". Ravalli Republic. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival 2023". Shook Mountain Productions. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Howdy". Darby Rodeo Association. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ Abell, Jessica (June 30, 2023). "Twisted Nut Rodeo set for July 7, 8 in Darby". Ravalli Republic. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Darby Community Public Library". Darby Community Public Library. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
- ^ "Parks, Trails, Facilities". Town of Darby. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Who we are". Evergreen Skateparks. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Darby Montana Ultimate Guide". TravelMT. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Lake Como". Ravalli County Tourism Business Improvement District (RCTBID). Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "PAINTED ROCKS STATE PARK". Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Town Council". Town of Darby. Town of Darby. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
- ^ "Darby School District #9". Darby School District. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
- ^ "Darby K-12 Schools". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ "Member Schools". Montana High School Association. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ "KHDV". FCC. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- ^ Byron, Eve (December 8, 2017). "Costner hosts Bullock on the set of 'Yellowstone'". Ravalli Republic. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
- ^ "New clinic for Darby". Bitterroot Health. March 9, 2023. Retrieved September 25, 2023.