But, it was when Hauser induced the Northern Pacific Railway to construct a branch line between Helena and Wickes that Comet really began to grow. He then built a 100-ton concentrator and a tramway to carry the concentrate to the smelter. The following year, the Helena Mining and Reduction Company constructed a new smelter, one of the largest of its kind in Montana territory, at Wickes, some six miles northeast of Comet. Hauser, was determined to make a go of the Comet Mine and in 1883 formed the Helena Mining and Reduction Company, which bought the assets of the struggling Alta-Montana Company and again began to invest in the Comet Mine. But, director and major stockholder of the Alta-Montana Company, Samuel T. However, their efforts were unsuccessful in turning a profit due to the high costs of transportation. In 1879 the Alta-Montana Company invested over $500,000 in developing the Comet and nearby Alta Mine. The following year, the post office opened in Comet, but growth came slowly to the town. Two years later, in 1876, the town of Comet was surveyed and platted as more and more people began to move into the area.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |