Woodend, Montana
Woodend, also known as 'The Northern Door' is a large town located in Seely Lake, Montana, and is considered the largest exporter of trapping and fur trading goods in the country.
History
Woodend was first settled in 1840 by the first migrants of the Bozeman Trail. On their route passing into Montana, a handful of migrants settled by Seeley Lake for camp but saw more benefit to settling a community, retiring their wagons for cabins. The geography provided a bountiful lake, lots of lumber, and fertile soil for cattle and crops to benefit from. Additionally, the setting up of a community in Seeley Lake provided passing migrants with a hospitable rest stop to stock up on food, fix any equipment, and rest at the halfway point of the journey. The name Woodend refers to the close proximity between the border of the United States and Canada, with a forest separating the town. It is also unofficially nicknamed ' The Northern Door'. The origin of this nickname has been speculated by some historians but was commonly believed that Canadian and American trappers would occasionally trade with one another between the border and allow for hunts in their area, using Woodend as a trading headquarters and embassy for both nations.Architecture
In 1890, The town prospered into a permanent fixture in the region. Brick-layered buildings begin to replace wooden shacks and buildings for safety and a more modernized appearance. The common image of Woodend today is a victorian-era inspired deisng consisting of gravel roads, iron fencing, greenery, and a bustling main square. The Lake Shore District has a designated factory facility specifically for tanning and maintenance of fur pelts for distribution nationwide. A large semi-cylindrical warehouse comprised of timber foundations, red-brick walls, and corrugated roofing to reduce flooding or collapses. The Woodend Church was renovated into a bluestone chapel with stained glass forming biblical moments and a carpeted aisle.Districts
Being one the fastest growing towns in the US, Woodend is separated into five districts to help navigate and organize infrastructure.-Main District
The most modernized portion of the town holds businesses and primary government facilities to maintain and uphold civil duties. The Main District is also the first section of the town majority of travelers would enter from. The inviting gravel road known as the main street has a long stretch that ends with a T-junction in front of the town hall. The brick buildings and iron fencing shows a pristine quality and gives astounding first impressions to first-timers. Aside from the town hall, the main district also has various other businesses and facilities including a sheriff station, saloon, general goods store, gunsmith, tailor shop, doctors office, fire department, post office, hotel, trapper station, and bank The Main District is also considered the most bustling portion of the town with high traffic of people coming and going.-Lake Shore District
Primarily related to the fur trading industry. located near the edge of Seeley Lake, the district has a nice flat section of land that is set up for national trading services. Many companies and businesses hire or buy out property in the district to develop headquarters or shipping facilities for their products. A good chunk of the profits from the Lakeshore District is the majority income for the whole town, which Woodend encourages and shapes itself around. Tanneries, storage complexes, and shipping facilities can be seen around the area, with dominant fur companies plastering their brand all over the district.-Industrial District
A smaller portion of Woodend, the Industrial District centers around construction and maintenance services for anybody who is in need of it. Where wagon makers and foremen reside to obtain orders of materials for businesses or town modification. Butchers, fisheries, lumberjacks, miners, and stables conduct all their duties within the Industrial District.-Market District
A square that's composed of various stalls, booths, and establishments that sells anything from fresh produce to new attire. In the center of the square is a gazebo used for announcements or celebratory speeches in the town. Surrounding the square is various designed buildings that can be comprised of either windowed businesses or housing for some residents. An auction house is also found within the district allowing the bidding of exquisite pieces.-Residential District
Heading past the Market district is a large sectioned area of open fields used for housing residents or guests. Woodend has property for sale where citizens can build their own homes close to the town, creating a neighborhood area right beside essential businesses like grocers. With the occasional squatter making camp in the area when needed. Few of these buildings were government built and are usually rented for the vacancy.Points of Interest
-Town Hall
Main government building where the mayor resides and performs civil duties. Its comprised of a meeting hall for townsfolks, committee offices for departments dedicated to local town growth, and a dining hall for charity events and debutantes hosted by Woodend officials.-Full Moon Saloon
Located on the left corner of the main street T-junction, the Full Moon Saloon is a double-storied establishment popular with both locals and visitors alike. A large array of beverages and cuisine can be found along with a social environment that perks up a lot of energy. Live music and performances are hosted every Friday and Saturday night.-Woodend Trapper Station
A central hub for local trappers to be handed supplies, bounties, and rewards. Head Gamemaster Kurtis Finnigan runs that station, an iron personality fits his physique quite well. The station also provides basic lessons in trapper defense to townsfolk to raise awareness and prevent any harm when locals encounter an anomalous creature.-The Barn Grand Hotel
A four-story brick establishment with a very luxurious interior design makes most visitors feel like royalty when booking a bed. Each room is comprised of a double-sized bed, wardrobe, and dining room for any room service called. The hotel has a phenomenal buffet located on the ground floor and also provides other services such as baths and laundry.-Woodend National Bank
The most secure bank in the Midwest. the WNB houses a titanium vault door that is 10 inches thick and uses an advanced locking system developed by French Artisan Locksmiths with techniques passed down form the late 18th century.Infrastructure
-Lighting
Woodend still runs mainly on oil lamps, having lamp posts set up in their main street and market district. However, recent talks with Mayor, Ms. Teressa Crickett, and representatives of Nikola Tesla have been in discussion to replace lighting infrastructure with a more consistent and reliable electrical alternative.-Roads
The main district of Woodend has fine gravel paved roads branching from the main street of the town. Further past the district, the roads and pathways would transition into planks or razed dirt that still forms a prominent stretch.-Bridges
Seeley Lake has a few water banks that seep into Woodend. The majority of the bridges used to overcome the banks are mainly built from timber and logs, having railings on the side to prevent accidental fallings. But currently, a renovation project has started to replace these bridges with sturdier and stronger cobblestone alternatives.Industry and Trade
Various commodities are traded and sold in Woodend including fur pelts, bones, meats, horns, and medical property organs. In 1880, Woodend became one of the most profitable and fastest-growing towns in Montana and the sixth most populated settlement for trapper-orientated vendors in the United States.
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