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The Elks Lodge is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Miles City. Sightings range from a
small boy to a man who killed himself in an apartment upstairs, to a former employee who
was the victim of murder. Built in 1914, the Elks Lodge was the result of the great homesteading boom of eastern Montana, a result of unusually high rainfall that made growing crops without irrigation possible, and the outbreak of World War I in Europe. America began sending not only food supplies, but also horses to aid England and France in the war effort. Miles City farmers not only benefitted from the higher demand for food, but Fort Keogh became the home of one of the largest 'cavalry remount stations' in the country, bringing millions of dollars into the eastern Montana economy. Fraternal organizations such as the Elks blossomed, allowing Miles Citians an opportunity to make business and social contacts. The Elks Lodge features three stories including a basement meeting room, a second floor bar, and a ballroom with stage on the third floor. The third floor also houses a warren of small rooms (some of which were used as apartments), a kitchen and bathrooms. |