Montana Genealogy
According to articles written by the late W. W. Alderson, an early Gallatin Valley pioneer, and corroborated by other pioneers, it was in the fall of 1863, and the spring of 1864 that the first settlements were made in Gallatin Valley by a few mountaineers. Joe Wilson, Al Nichols, J. … Read more
The first newspaper published in Gallatin County, one of the early publications of the territory, was the “Montana Pick and Plow,” published and edited by H. N. Maguire in Bozeman. Mr. Maguire had been connected with the “Montana Post,” the first newspaper of the territory, published in Virginia City. A … Read more
The Bridger Trail Jim Bridger, the old mountaineer who led his first party over the divide in the early sixties, and traversed the same route many times afterward, was said to be the most famous frontiersman to act in the role of trailblazer into what is now Montana. The Bridger … Read more
The First National Bank of Bozeman opened for business in August 1872, was the first bank established in Bozeman or in Gallatin County. The officers were: President, L. M. Black; cashier, George W. Fox; additional directors, C. J. Lyster and John P. Bruce. The bank suspended in 1878. The Bozeman … Read more
Our monuments have been erected in Gallatin County, impressive ceremonies marking their dedication or unveiling. On August 8, 1914, a monument unveiled in Bozeman was erected. “In commemoration of the organization of the Territory of Montana, May 26, 1864, and of the admission of the territory to the union of … Read more
The Gallatin Valley, though never a permanent home to any tribe, was frequented by various Native American groups including the Blackfeet, Crow, Bannock, Nez Perce, Flathead, and Snake. These tribes traversed the valley en route to hunting and trapping grounds, leaving deep trails in the soil. The Blackfeet, in particular, laid claim to a vast territory spanning from the Saskatchewan to the Yellowstone rivers. A treaty in 1855 with the U.S. government recognized their ownership of this land, which included modern-day Gallatin County. Despite the treaty, subsequent actions by Presidents Grant and Hayes reduced the Blackfeet’s territory without their consent, leading to their current claim for compensation. Additionally, the Gallatin Valley, known as the “Valley of Flowers,” was considered neutral ground among tribes due to a legendary event that promoted peace in the region.
The Yellowstone Expedition down the Yellowstone in 1874 is identified in a way with the history of Gallatin County, as it was started from Bozeman, the prime object being to open up the Wolf Creek country, where the men supposed there were rich placer mines as represented by a man … Read more
While the Gallatin Valley is beautiful, and was called by the late Theodore Roosevelt, “a fair dimple in the cheek of nature,” when he visited here a number of years ago, the valley is recognized as one of the most productive in the state. In early days, wheat and oats … Read more