It's no exaggeration to say that there's not much to the tiny town of Pony. Although it was once known as the "metropolis of the thousand," this former mining community is now home to only about 100 people. Still, if you're ever in the area, Pony, one of the most historic towns in Montana, is definitely worth checking out.
Pony in Montana is located in northeastern Madison County, about 27 miles southwest of Three Forks.
The town was settled in the 1860s and was named after one of its early miners, Tecumseth Smith, who was nicknamed "Pony" because of his small stature.
By the late 1800s, about 5,000 people lived here.
But mining operations started to decline in the early 1900s, and by 1922, they had all but shut down.
The population declined quickly.
These days, the town is best known for its 192-acre historic district. Here's where you'll find things to do in Pony.
The Pony Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a number of the buildings date all the way back to the boom era.
There may not be much to Pony, but there is a bar that has stood the test of time... this is Montana, after all.
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The Pony Bar was known as McKittrick Hall when it was built in 1877, eventually becoming a "house of ill repute" before officially becoming a bar in the early 1900s. These days, it's the town's gathering place, serving cheap drinks and tasty food.
For such a diminutive town, Pony hosts a lot of annual events.
Pony Bar's annual Rubber Duck Races, Pony Days and the Pony Fiddle Fest are just a few of the fun festivities.
Every Montanan should at least take a day trip to Pony.
If nothing else, it will remind you of a simpler time, and it's a great spot to go to get away from it all.
Have you ever been to Pony, one of the most historic towns in Montana? Let us know in the comments! And if you want to spend the night in Pony, take a look at this incredible Glamping Tent on a creek, and book your stay on VRBO.
Here are more historic towns in Montana to check out.
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