Miles City Irrigating and Ditch Company

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(Tongue River Irrigating & Ditch)
 
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[[File:12MileDam.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Current version of the dam on the Tongue River, now called the 12 Mile Dam, which is a state fishing access site.]]
 
As the [[Miles City, Montana]] area was settled, people found that crops and gardens wouldn't survive the dry August heat. At first, they assumed that they were having a run of unusually dry summers, but when year after year found their plants gasping in thirst, it became apparent that irrigation was mandatory. Some visionaries did the math and figured that about 137 160-acre farms could  benefit from a 28 mile irrigation system on the two-mile wide east side of the [[Tongue River]] valley. An estimated $300,000 per year was being spent for hay, grain and other crops from sources outside the valley and this money would benefit the local economy if it was circulated locally. Calculations were that one could get between 1 and 1.5 tons of hay per acre, priced at $10-15 per ton. (Multiply these figures by 27 to get an approximate current value.)
 
As the [[Miles City, Montana]] area was settled, people found that crops and gardens wouldn't survive the dry August heat. At first, they assumed that they were having a run of unusually dry summers, but when year after year found their plants gasping in thirst, it became apparent that irrigation was mandatory. Some visionaries did the math and figured that about 137 160-acre farms could  benefit from a 28 mile irrigation system on the two-mile wide east side of the [[Tongue River]] valley. An estimated $300,000 per year was being spent for hay, grain and other crops from sources outside the valley and this money would benefit the local economy if it was circulated locally. Calculations were that one could get between 1 and 1.5 tons of hay per acre, priced at $10-15 per ton. (Multiply these figures by 27 to get an approximate current value.)
  
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The irrigation ditch was first imagined at least as early as 1877 and preliminary plans were pushed forward in 1881 by [[Joseph Leighton]] and [[W. B. Jordan]] and was formed by them with assistance from some officers at [[Fort Keogh]] and a few other locals under the name "Tongue River Irrigating and Ditch company". The dream was to be fraught with misfortune though and it about 6 years for it to finally started delivering water. During this period, several engineers had their hands on the project.
 
The irrigation ditch was first imagined at least as early as 1877 and preliminary plans were pushed forward in 1881 by [[Joseph Leighton]] and [[W. B. Jordan]] and was formed by them with assistance from some officers at [[Fort Keogh]] and a few other locals under the name "Tongue River Irrigating and Ditch company". The dream was to be fraught with misfortune though and it about 6 years for it to finally started delivering water. During this period, several engineers had their hands on the project.
  
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==Tongue River Irrigating & Ditch==
 
[[22 Aug 1882]] Articles of incorporation filed with the territorial secretary with Capital of $100,000, $54,200 paid in. Principal names include [[Gen. Brisbin]], [[J. W. Strevell]] plus others. Plans were for a ditch of 16 miles, with 2 miles being iron pipe, fed by a 6,000,000 gallon reservoir with a 45 foot head, feeding Miles City and 30,000 acres of farmland at a cost of $40,000.
 
[[22 Aug 1882]] Articles of incorporation filed with the territorial secretary with Capital of $100,000, $54,200 paid in. Principal names include [[Gen. Brisbin]], [[J. W. Strevell]] plus others. Plans were for a ditch of 16 miles, with 2 miles being iron pipe, fed by a 6,000,000 gallon reservoir with a 45 foot head, feeding Miles City and 30,000 acres of farmland at a cost of $40,000.
  
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[[19 Oct 1882]] Stockholders meeting 4 pm at the [[First National Bank]], [[James S. Brisbin]], Pres.
 
[[19 Oct 1882]] Stockholders meeting 4 pm at the [[First National Bank]], [[James S. Brisbin]], Pres.
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[[19 Oct 1882]] The upper end of the ditch is completed.
  
 
Oct 1882: offices will be in the new bank building, 2nd floor.
 
Oct 1882: offices will be in the new bank building, 2nd floor.
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Having spent about $40,000 for a failed project, it languished until it was sold by the sheriff [[19 Oct 1885]] for $15 on a bid by [[Harry F. Batchelor]] on behalf of W. B. Jordan. [[Eph. Cowles]] had bid $13 but would not go higher. Yet, on [[16 Nov 1885]] another auction was held with the same winning bidder and representative, but this time Jordan's bid was $1000. This was "pursuant to an execution issued in favor of [[E. Sumwalt]]. The sheriff is [[Charles W. Savage]].
 
Having spent about $40,000 for a failed project, it languished until it was sold by the sheriff [[19 Oct 1885]] for $15 on a bid by [[Harry F. Batchelor]] on behalf of W. B. Jordan. [[Eph. Cowles]] had bid $13 but would not go higher. Yet, on [[16 Nov 1885]] another auction was held with the same winning bidder and representative, but this time Jordan's bid was $1000. This was "pursuant to an execution issued in favor of [[E. Sumwalt]]. The sheriff is [[Charles W. Savage]].
  
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== Miles City Irrigating & Ditch (ongoing construction) ==
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[[File:MilesCityArea_c1884.jpg|thumb|right|538px|Miles City area, circa 1884. Map produced by W. B. Gaw, the first engineer on the project. The dam and headgates are just below Squaw Creek (the solid dark line that runs through the "H" in "ATCHISON'S" is Pumpkin Creek.]]
 
[[W. B. Jordan]] had purchased the old company and formed a new company under the name of "Miles City Irrigating and Ditch Company". Needless to say, some were reluctant to pour good money after bad, but optimism carried forward and the new stockholders included: Leighton and Jordan; Maj. [[Simeon Snyder]], Lt. [[C. B. Thompson]], Lt. [[W. H. Sage]], the wife of Capt. [[Mason Carter]], Capt. [[T. F. Forbes]], all of the fort; Dr. [[Ira L. Sanderson]], Gen. [[W. A. Rucker]], Dr. [[P. F. Harvey]] all of "U.S.A."; [[T. J. Bryan]], [[William Macqueen]], [[William Courtenay]], [[Konrad Schmid]], [[Louis Payette]] and [[J. McGurk]] all of Miles City; [[Maurice Auerbach]], [[R. E. Stower]], both of St. Paul; and Dr. [[G. W. Ellis]] of Philadelphia. It was determined that it was cost as much to dig a new ditch as it would to fix the old one. A 12 foot wide bottom was planned, sides at 45 degrees.
 
[[W. B. Jordan]] had purchased the old company and formed a new company under the name of "Miles City Irrigating and Ditch Company". Needless to say, some were reluctant to pour good money after bad, but optimism carried forward and the new stockholders included: Leighton and Jordan; Maj. [[Simeon Snyder]], Lt. [[C. B. Thompson]], Lt. [[W. H. Sage]], the wife of Capt. [[Mason Carter]], Capt. [[T. F. Forbes]], all of the fort; Dr. [[Ira L. Sanderson]], Gen. [[W. A. Rucker]], Dr. [[P. F. Harvey]] all of "U.S.A."; [[T. J. Bryan]], [[William Macqueen]], [[William Courtenay]], [[Konrad Schmid]], [[Louis Payette]] and [[J. McGurk]] all of Miles City; [[Maurice Auerbach]], [[R. E. Stower]], both of St. Paul; and Dr. [[G. W. Ellis]] of Philadelphia. It was determined that it was cost as much to dig a new ditch as it would to fix the old one. A 12 foot wide bottom was planned, sides at 45 degrees.
  
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[[28 Sep 1886]]: [[Fritz]] and [[Leonard]] closed a contract to do surface work for the ditch. They began work on the same day and expect to work through the winter to meet a [[1 Apr 1887]] deadline. The large contract includes grading the big bluff near {Grimmit]]'s.
 
[[28 Sep 1886]]: [[Fritz]] and [[Leonard]] closed a contract to do surface work for the ditch. They began work on the same day and expect to work through the winter to meet a [[1 Apr 1887]] deadline. The large contract includes grading the big bluff near {Grimmit]]'s.
  
[[13 Oct 1886]] A suit is brought in the 4th Judicial District of the M.T. against [[James S. Brisbin]] by First National Bank for $2195 on unpaid stock in the Ditch company. $1315 on 23 Oct 1883 plus 105 interest and $880 on [[1 Apr 1884]] plus 10% interest and costs for a total of $2195. If not paid, real estate has been attached and will be sold to repay the debt. (NW1/4 of the SW1/4 and lots 4 & 5 of section13, T6N R40E; and lots 16 & 17 in block 45; and lots 1 & 2 in block 46 together with the buildings and any improvements. Strevell & Garlock are attorneys for the plaintiff, [[James McFarlane]], their clerk.
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[[13 Oct 1886]] A suit is brought in the 4th Judicial District of the M.T. against [[James S. Brisbin]] by First National Bank for $2195 on unpaid stock in the Ditch company. $1315 on 23 Oct 1883 plus 105 interest and $880 on [[1 Apr 1884]] plus 10% interest and costs for a total of $2195. If not paid, real estate has been attached and will be sold to repay the debt. (NW1/4 of the SW1/4 and lots 4 & 5 of section13, T6N R40E; and lots 16 & 17 in block 45; and lots 1 & 2 in block 46 together with the buildings and any improvements. [[Strevell & Garlock]] are attorneys for the plaintiff, [[James McFarlane]], their clerk.
  
 
By Dec 1886 $60,000 had been spent on the new ditch and dam.
 
By Dec 1886 $60,000 had been spent on the new ditch and dam.
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[[25 May 1888]] From headgates, across Pumpkin Creek, down to Squaw Creek, about 3 miles. 10 feet wide at the bottom, 15 feet at the top, 4 feet deep. A flume is built across Squaw Creek. Past Mill Creek to King's bluff with extensive riprapping using 1500 logs averaging 16' in length and tons of rock to for a crib and riprap protection, above which the flume will divert the water around the bluff. Mr. Estabrook is supervising. Then on to the reservoir at the Leighton farm. Should be filled with water in 20 days, to Mill Creek in 7 to 10 days. This should server 5000 acres.
 
[[25 May 1888]] From headgates, across Pumpkin Creek, down to Squaw Creek, about 3 miles. 10 feet wide at the bottom, 15 feet at the top, 4 feet deep. A flume is built across Squaw Creek. Past Mill Creek to King's bluff with extensive riprapping using 1500 logs averaging 16' in length and tons of rock to for a crib and riprap protection, above which the flume will divert the water around the bluff. Mr. Estabrook is supervising. Then on to the reservoir at the Leighton farm. Should be filled with water in 20 days, to Mill Creek in 7 to 10 days. This should server 5000 acres.
  
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== First years of operation ==
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[[File:FlumeExit.jpg|thumb|right|500px|Downstream view of the ditch as it exits the flume over Log Creek, about 8 miles south of Miles City.]]
 
[[7 Jun 1888]] 10am the town is invited to witness the opening of the headgates.
 
[[7 Jun 1888]] 10am the town is invited to witness the opening of the headgates.
  
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[[28 May 1889]] The ditch is carrying a full head of water down to the Leighton farm and ranchers all along the line are making connections to use the water this season.
 
[[28 May 1889]] The ditch is carrying a full head of water down to the Leighton farm and ranchers all along the line are making connections to use the water this season.
  
[[24 Jul 1889]] Dr. G. W. Ellis of Philadelphia was in the area visiting the "National Park" and being an investor for 3 years stopped by to see how his investment was doing. Similar projects have done well and it is a little disappointing that this one isn't finished to full length yet. He will inspect the full length and carry his report back to other eastern investors. After the inspection, he met with several people and it was discussed that while the part completed so far is satisfactory, it primarily transports water through a narrow valley to the reservoir at the south end of the wider Miles City bottom where the real benefit would be realized. While it would only take an additional 10% of what has already been spent to extend the ditch and gain a 500 fold increase in usefulness. To extend the ditch would cost an estimated $10,000 and the investors have offered to put up half of this sum if the enough other Miles City residents would invest the other half, but as has been so often the case for the entirety of Miles City's history, they balk. While it is true that the residents are not as wealthy as the eastern investors and the current local economy is bad*, the increase in property values would be worth it. The eastern investors have become discouraged over time and are more of mind to let the enterprise be sold to recoup what they can of their investments, rather than throw more money into the project.
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[[24 Jul 1889]] Dr. G. W. Ellis of Philadelphia was in the area visiting the "National Park" and being an investor for 3 years stopped by to see how his investment was doing. Similar projects have done well and it is a little disappointing that this one isn't finished to full length yet. He will inspect the full length and carry his report back to other eastern investors. After the inspection, he met with several people and it was discussed that while the part completed so far is satisfactory, it primarily transports water through a narrow valley to the reservoir at the south end of the wider Miles City bottom where the real benefit would be realized. While it would only take an additional 10% of what has already been spent to extend the ditch and gain a 500 fold increase in usefulness. To extend the ditch would cost an estimated $10,000 and the investors have offered to put up half of this sum if the enough other Miles City residents would invest the other half, but as has been so often the case for the entirety of Miles City's history, they balk. While it is true that the residents are not as wealthy as the eastern investors and the current local economy is bad (due to the cattle losses from the recent severe winters), the increase in property values would be worth it. The eastern investors have become discouraged over time and are more of mind to let the enterprise be sold to recoup what they can of their investments, rather than throw more money into the project.
 
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* This is due to the cattle losses from the recent severe winters.
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[[19 Oct 1889]] [[Sam Thurman]] is working with teams and scrapers under a contract to extend the ditch 1000 feet through a very heavy cut leading east from the reservoir, part of a four mile extension into the Miles City bottom. Continuing eastward to Carbon Hill, and around the side of the hill above the coal mine entries, staying on the highest ground into the Haynes farm and then on to Kirchers's farm. Faulty engineering of the dam in the past has resulted in two separate disasters which has cost time and money. Jordan and a few others added more funds to get the flume around King's bluff. The work on this last four miles is mainly on a co-operative plan by landowners who will benefit by the extension, adding 10,000 acres to the affected area next season.
 
[[19 Oct 1889]] [[Sam Thurman]] is working with teams and scrapers under a contract to extend the ditch 1000 feet through a very heavy cut leading east from the reservoir, part of a four mile extension into the Miles City bottom. Continuing eastward to Carbon Hill, and around the side of the hill above the coal mine entries, staying on the highest ground into the Haynes farm and then on to Kirchers's farm. Faulty engineering of the dam in the past has resulted in two separate disasters which has cost time and money. Jordan and a few others added more funds to get the flume around King's bluff. The work on this last four miles is mainly on a co-operative plan by landowners who will benefit by the extension, adding 10,000 acres to the affected area next season.
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[[8 Mar 1893]] District court: Miles City Irrigating and Ditch company vs. Northern Pacific Railroad company; cause striken from the calendar with leave to reinstate at any time. Louis King vs. Miles City Irrigating and Ditch company jury secured and case still on time.
 
[[8 Mar 1893]] District court: Miles City Irrigating and Ditch company vs. Northern Pacific Railroad company; cause striken from the calendar with leave to reinstate at any time. Louis King vs. Miles City Irrigating and Ditch company jury secured and case still on time.
  
Apr 1893 Ditch is successful and land near it that couldn't be sold for $5 an acre before, can't be had for $25 now. Another group called the [[Buffalo Rapids Irrigation and Ditch Company]] is planning to build a 10 mile ditch on the north side of the Yellowstone (Kinsey area?). The [[Eichorn Brothers]] had a great crop of watermelons last year. Among others, [[E. C. Haynes]] and [[Mr. Beck]] are planning to grow and ship produce. Some are still experimenting with fruits, especially Haynes, putting in many fruit and plum trees. Beck has hot houses and will be planting a large truck garden.
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Apr 1893 Ditch is successful and land near it that couldn't be sold for $5 an acre before, can't be had for $25 now. Another group called the [[Buffalo Rapids Irrigation and Ditch Company]] is planning to build a 10 mile ditch on the north side of the Yellowstone (Kinsey area?). The [[Eichhorn Brothers]] had a great crop of watermelons last year. Among others, [[E. C. Haynes]] and [[Mr. Beck]] are planning to grow and ship produce. Some are still experimenting with fruits, especially Haynes, putting in many fruit and plum trees. Beck has hot houses and will be planting a large truck garden.
  
 
[[10 Mar 1893]] District court: testimony consumed the entire day.
 
[[10 Mar 1893]] District court: testimony consumed the entire day.
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[[19 May 1893]] A suit begins in Distrit Court by the First National Bank against the predessor "Tongue River Irrigating and Ditch company" for balance due on a note and asking for a receiver to be appointed to adjust the defunct firm's affairs. The ditch is currently operating from Pumpkin Creek to Dixon Bluff.
 
[[19 May 1893]] A suit begins in Distrit Court by the First National Bank against the predessor "Tongue River Irrigating and Ditch company" for balance due on a note and asking for a receiver to be appointed to adjust the defunct firm's affairs. The ditch is currently operating from Pumpkin Creek to Dixon Bluff.
  
9 Sep 1893]] [[W. N. Haynes]] and [[Col. Sheetz]] left for Ainslie, with a eye towards extending the ditch to there.
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[[9 Sep 1893]] [[W. N. Haynes]] and [[Col. Sheetz]] left for Ainslie, with a eye towards extending the ditch to there.
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[[28 Sep 1893]] A meeting was held with almost 50 non-stockholders attending to discuss the situation of the limited capacity of the ditch and the fact that stockholders and owners of water rights, by law, would have first claim on what water could be delivered, but that there was no obligation to provide water to anyone else. It was agreed after much discussion that sales of water rights would be encouraged. It was pointed out that by widening a few of the worst constricted spots, the flow could be increased enough for those who currently have claims, but that it would take a lot more work to make enough flow to supply every acre in the affected area. Land which goes begging at $1.25/acre without irrigation can be sold for $15 - $50/acre with irrigation. The capacity would have to be increased by 4x to 5x to cover all acreage, and work would have to be done this fall or next season if a dredge is used, but money would have to be added to finance the improvements.
  
 
[[10 Oct 1893]] Water was scheduled to be shut off at the headgate. Wiley, Sec.
 
[[10 Oct 1893]] Water was scheduled to be shut off at the headgate. Wiley, Sec.
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[[11 Sep 1894]] The Board of [[County Commissioners]] for Custer County voted to abate the increase of assessment ($4,650).
 
[[11 Sep 1894]] The Board of [[County Commissioners]] for Custer County voted to abate the increase of assessment ($4,650).
  
September 1894, W. H. Sutherlin of the Rocky Mountain Husbandman was given a tour of some of the irrigated farms, including those of [[W. N. Haynes]], his brother [[E. C. Haynes]] and [[Joseph Eichhorn]], the latter in the process of shipping some of his 11 acres melons to Butte and Helena.
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September 1894, W. H. Sutherlin of the Rocky Mountain Husbandman was given a tour of some of the irrigated farms, including those of [[W. N. Haynes]], his brother [[E. C. Haynes]] and [[Joseph Eichhorn]], the latter in the process of shipping some of his 11 acres melons to Butte and Helena. He was escorted by {Sam Gordon]], [[C. R. Middleton]] and [[C. S. Wright]].
  
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November 1894 Docket of the District Court includes: [[First National Bank]] vs. Tongue River Irrigating and Ditch company, note and appointment of a receiver.
  
 
[[8 Dec 1894]] Meeting held to change name to "Miles City Canal and Irrigating Company", to extend term of existance to 40 years from 1885?, to expand the defined business activities allowed.
 
[[8 Dec 1894]] Meeting held to change name to "Miles City Canal and Irrigating Company", to extend term of existance to 40 years from 1885?, to expand the defined business activities allowed.
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== Modern version ==
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Now called the T & Y Ditch, its diversion dam was recently altered to include a fish ladder, which now allows fish from the Tongue and Yellowstone Rivers below the dam to migrate upriver, for the first time in 125 years.

Latest revision as of 23:56, 11 February 2014

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