Great Falls is named after the Great Falls of the Missouri River which were discovered by
Lewis and Clark in 1805. Founded in 1884 by Paris Gibson, Great Falls became an
incorporated city in 1885. The first City Council election was held November 21, 1888. In
1896 Great Falls became a first class city-  having a population of 10,000 or more.

The county seat of Cascade County, Great Falls is one of the largest cities in Montana, with
a population of approximately 59,152 (2014 US Census population estimate). The City
comprises an area of around 23.4 square miles.

Great Falls is the regional trade center for a 12-county area.  In 2011, there were nearly 2,500
businesses in Great Falls in a variety of economic sectors, including agriculture and forestry,
manufacturing, government, transportation and communication, and construction. The
largest number of businesses in Great Falls is in the services and retail trade sectors.

The Great Falls School District administers a comprehensive educational program to
students in 15 elementary, three middle, and three high schools (including one alternative
high school). Great Falls is also home to the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind.
There are several post secondary educational opportunities available in Great Falls,
including the University of Great Falls, Great Falls College - Montana State University, and
satellite campuses for a variety of other nationally accredited universities.