Broadus

History

The Powder River Battles, part of the Powder River Expedition of 1865, were fought near the present-day town from September 1–15, 1865, by the U.S. Army against Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. On March 17, 1876, the Battle of Powder River occurred about southwest of present-day Broadus, and on June 13, 1876, six companies of the 7th Cavalry led by Major Marcus Reno marched along the Powder River to within north of the town's present location before turning west toward the Little Bighorn. The Broadus post office was established in 1900, and named after the Broaddus family, early settlers in the area. When the town's streets were being planned, they were made wide enough for a horse-drawn carriage to turn around. When Belle Creek Oil Field opened in the late 1960s, the economy of Broadus boomed. Oil and gas production continue to be important to the local economy.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all land. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Broadus has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps. Broadus has a cold semi-arid climate due to its very dry winters. There are significant diurnal temperature variations throughout the year, and strong continental seasonal swings between the warm to hot summers and the cold winters.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Broadus School
  Elementary · Broadus · 112 students · 14:1 ratio
• Powder River Co Dist High
  High · Broadus · 74 students · 9.3:1 ratio
• Broadus 7-8
  Middle · Broadus · 38 students · 12.7:1 ratio