Editing Bearcreek, Montana (section)

===Attraction of American and foreign born workers===
After the MW&S railroad was built, Bearcreek expanded rapidly as coal production increased.  American and foreign-born workers moved there, drawn by the expanding coal mining activity and the promise of steady work. By 1917, the mines around Bearcreek were employing 1,200 men. As the miners came they settled in small communities built in the small steep coulees running down into Bear Creek.  At its peak, Bearcreek and the surrounding communities of [[Washoe, Montana|Washoe]], New Caledonia, Chickentown, Scotch Coulee, International, and Stringtown, had a population of about 3,000 people, most of whom worked in the coal mines.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

From 1906 onward, Bearcreek attracted a large contingent of Serbian/Slavic immigrants from Serbia and Montenegro.  The many Serb families brought their culture and their customs to Bearcreek.  With its diverse ethnic composition, Bearcreek traditionally celebrated Christmas twice, on December 25 and January 6, the [[Serbian Orthodox Church]] holiday.<ref>[http://mtplacenames.org/ Montana Place Names Companion Website]. Aarstad, Rich, Ellie Arguimbau, Ellen Baumler, Charlene Porsild, and Brian Shovers. Montana Place Names from Alzada to Zortman. Montana Historical Society Press.</ref>