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The city established itself as an important industrial center in the early 1900s when the Black Eagle Dam was built, harnessing hydroelectric power from the falls and supplying the city's power needs. Great Falls Montana later became an area for several military bases. Tourists also came because of the reputation of the Western artist, Charles Russell, who kept a studio in the city. There is a museum that is dedicated to his work. The nearby Jake Hoover's Cabin is a re-constructed log cabin that belonged to the trapper Hoover. This typical cabin has a link to Russell because Hoover was a friend and mentor to him and he showed him how to survive in the wilds around Great Falls Montana.
A news story in 1950 brought the city a lot of publicity, involving a UFO sighting. A man called Nicolas Mariana filmed two unusual objects in the sky and sent the footage to a local newspaper. The Air Force heard of the incident and launched their own investigation. There have been many such sightings since and the area has become a magnet for UFO hunters.
The region is a very active place, with lots to do and see. There are several museums, including a Lewis and Clark Center, an interactive Children's Museum, the History Museum and the Galerie Trinitas, which displays religious art works. Several annual events appear on the Great Falls Montana calendar that caters for people of all interests and ages. The annual Ice Breaker Road Race is a challenge for runners each year and is well supported. The River Fest has activities and displays for arts and crafts, water sports, skateboarding, sea planes, an auto show and food stalls. Other events include a Rodeo meeting, a show for custom cars, trucks and motorcycles and an evening of live bluegrass music. The city owes a lot to its geographical location and the enterprise of its people.
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