Armstead, Montana

44°58′21″N 112°51′51″W / 44.97250°N 112.86417°W / 44.97250; -112.86417^[1]CountryUnited StatesStateMontanaCountyBeaverheadEstablished1907Abandoned1962Named forHarry ArmsteadElevation5,545 ft (1,690 m)

Armstead is a former community in Beaverhead County, Montana, United States, about 21 miles (34 km) south of the county seat of Dillon. It was named after miner Harry Armstead.^[2] Armstead was located in a narrow valley of the Beaverhead River, near the mouth of Horse Prairie Creek. The town was a station stop on the Union Pacific Railroad line from Idaho Falls, Idaho to Butte, Montana. There was a post office in Armstead from 1907 to 1962.

Armstead is perhaps best remembered as the eastern terminus and headquarters of the Gilmore and Pittsburgh Railroad, which operated a line from there to Salmon, Idaho between 1910 and 1939.

The Lewis and Clark expedition traveled past the future location of Armstead during its westward trek in 1805.^[3]

The construction of Clark Canyon Dam in 1961–1964 created a reservoir that completely inundated the former site of Armstead. The town was still a viable community when the decision to build the dam was made. Because of this, some people do not categorize Armstead as being a ghost town. When the water level is low enough parts of the old highway, railroad, and even some building foundations are still visible.

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