EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Montana Historical Society's founding

When the territory was only a few months old, Montana's earliest white settlers began planning for a historical society.

Key dates

February 2, 1865—The territorial assembly passes an act to incorporate the Historical Society of Montana.
March 4, 1865—Society President W. F. Sanders advertises for the first public event at the Society, a lecture by a local judge. The event is held in a local church.
March 25, 1865—The Historical Society is officially organized with elected officers.

From the newspapers

• An Act To Incorporate the Historical Society of Montana, Montana Post, March 11, 1865, p. 1
• The Historical Society, Montana Post, April 01, 1865, p. 2
• The Historical Society, Montana Post, November 27, 1868, p. 8
• The Governor’s Message, Montana Post, December 18, 1868, p. 1

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Original Governor's Mansion

The first two governors of the State of Montana, Joseph Toole and Edwin Norris, lived in their own homes while serving. When Samuel Stewart, who was from Virginia City, was elected, the state legislature appropriated funds to purchase and maintain a furnished home in Helena, where the governor and his family would live and host receptions for dignitaries.

Key dates

1888—William A. Chessman builds a residence at 304 N. Ewing for his own use.
1913—The state buys the Chessman home to serve as the executive mansion.
1913-1959—Nine governors and their families reside in the mansion.
1959—Governor Hugo Aaronson moves to the new governor’s mansion at 2 Carson Street.

From the newspapers

• Montana’s Disgrace, Judith Gap Journal, February 14, 1913, p. 2.
• Bills Passed By Senate, The Daily Missoulian, March 01, 1913, Morning, p. 5.
• Lawmakers at Work, The River Press, March 05, 1913, p. 1.
• Montana Brieflets: Helena, March 24, The River Press, March 26, 1913, p. 8.
• Montana Furnishes Governor with Mansion and Maintains It, Great Falls Daily Tribune, December 19, 1920, p. 3.
• Governor Stewart Vacates Executive Mansion; Dixons In, Great Falls Daily Tribune, December 31, 1920, p. 10.
• Legislature Opens Monday, The Glasgow Courier, December 31, 1920, p. 1.

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: University of Montana's founding

As soon as Montana became a state in 1889, the legislature set out to establish a state university. Missoula city leaders gave up a bid to become the state capital in exchange for becoming the site of the university.

Key dates

February 1893—After a debate over whether existing colleges should be consolidated, Missoula was appointed as the location for the University of Montana.
September 1895—Classes begin with an initial enrollment of nearly 100.

From the newspapers

• The Senate, Helena Independent, January 11, 1893, p. 8
• For the Fourth Time, Helena Independent, January 15, 1893, p. 8
• The State University, Helena Independent, January 17, 1893, p. 5
• The University Bill, Helena Independent, February 01, 1893, p. 5
• Should Feel Proud, Anaconda Standard, June 13, 1895, p. 6
• University of Montana, Anaconda Standard, July 14, 1895, p. 6
• At the University, Anaconda Standard, August 18, 1895, p. 6
• Reached the Limit, Anaconda Standard, September 16, 1895, p. 6
• At the Big School, Anaconda Standard, October 17, 1895, p. 10

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EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: The Capitol Building

After Helena won the popular vote to be the capital city of the new state of Montana, lawmakers immediately created a capital commission to oversee the construction of a building to house state government. Amid scandal, the original commission and the architect were dismissed, but a new commission soon contracted with different architects, and the completed building was dedicated on July 4, 1902. Two additional wings, to the east and the west, were completed ten years later.

Key dates

1895—Capitol Commission is appointed.
1897—Contract for building the capitol is awarded to Charles E. Bell and John H. Kent.
1902—Montana State Capitol dedicated.
1909—Legislature authorizes addition of east and west wings.

From the newspapers

• Chopping Off Heads, The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, MT) February 1, 1895, Morning, p. 1.
• The Capitol Building, Great Falls Weekly Tribune (Great Falls, MT) April 17, 1896, p. 4.
• The State Capitol, The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, MT) January 07, 1897, p. 6.
• Capitol Commission, The Ravalli Republican (Stevensville, MT) March 03, 1897, p. 1.
• In Violation of Law, The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, MT) February 07, 1898, Morning, p. 8.
• Helena Folks Wake Up, The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, MT) February 10, 1898, Morning, p. 2.
• Citizens of Montana, The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, MT) July 08, 1898, Morning, p. 4.
• Proposals for State Capitol Building, The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, MT) July 31, 1898, Morning, p. 4.
• Governor’s Message: State Capitol Building, The Billings Gazette (Billings, MT) January 06, 1899, p. 3.
• Around the State, Rosebud County News (Forsyth, MT) January 23, 1902, p. 1.
• The Capitol Wings, The River Press ( Fort Benton, MT) December 29, 1909, p. 2.
• The Capitol Wings, The Western News (Stevensville, MT) January 12, 1910, p. 4.

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspapers Stories 1864-1922: Extermination of Wolves

Wolves were abundant in newly created Montana Territory in the 1860s. The same merchants who shipped bison hides to the East found a ready market for wolf pelts; the fur was widely used as trim on clothing. Between 1871 and 1875, an estimated 34,000 wolves were killed in northern Montana and southern Alberta. As the cattle industry rose in prominence, the territorial government began paying bounties for wolves, coyotes and other predators. By the end of the 1880s, the total extermination of wolves became a goal of ranchers—one that was finally achieved by government-salaried hunters in the 1920s.

Key dates

1883—Territorial legislature offers a $1 bounty for a full wolfskin. At the end of 1884, the treasury reports paying bounties for 5,540 wolves, 1,774 coyotes, 568 bears, and 146 mountain lions.
1887—Bounty claims are so numerous, the territory can no longer afford to pay them, and bounty laws are repealed.
1899—Under pressure from stock growers, bounties on cattle predators are reinstated, funded by a new tax on livestock.
1905—The latest bounty pays $10 per full-grown wolf scalp. Because an immature animal cannot kill cattle as efficiently as an adult, the bounty per pup is only $3.

From the newspapers

• Wolves Multiplying, Neihart Herald, February 17, 1894, p. 1
• Range Interests. The Wolf Question Causes a Lengthy and Spirited Debate, Yellowstone Journal, April 19, 1894, p. 1
• Bounty Claims, Dupuyer Acantha, June 07, 1900, p. 4
• Thousands in Bounties, Kalispell Bee, December 01, 1900, p. 1
• Sure Death to Wolves and Coyotes, Billings Gazette, September 03, 1901, p. 2
• Will Make Wolves Sick, Havre Herald, April 06, 1905, p. 2
• Dunn’s Views of Bounty Law, Fergus County Democrat, June 13, 1905, p. 6

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EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: The Railroad Arrives!

The first rail line into Montana, the Utah & Northern Railroad over Monida Pass to Butte, was completed in 1881. Together with the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1883, it heralded a new day of transportation for both people and goods. The Federal government greatly aided the railroads by awarding them tracts of land along the expected routes. The railways connected Montana towns with each other and with the rest of the nation, and they facilitated the expansion of mining and manufacturing.

Key dates

1864—The Pacific Railroad Act of 1864 charters construction of a Northern Pacific link from Lake Superior to the Pacific Coast.
1881—The Utah & Northern Railroad drives its first train into Butte, successfully linking Montana with the transcontinental line in northern Utah.
1883—A ceremony at Gold Creek, Montana Territory, commemorates the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway. Former President Ulysses S. Grant attends.

From the newspapers

• Northern Pacific Railroad, The Montana Post, November 04, 1865, p. 1.
• The Northern Pacific R. R., The New North-west, January 08, 1875, p. 1.
• Transportation Via N.P.R.R. and Missouri River, Helena Weekly Herald, March 25, 1875, p. 4.
• The Railroad, Helena Weekly Herald, January 27, 1876, p. 1.
• Railroad,The Benton Record, March 25, 1876, p. 1.
• Utah & Northern Railroad, Helena Weekly Herald, October 10, 1878, p. 4.
• The Utah & Northern railroad, The River Press, June 29, 1881, p. 1.
• Railroad Monopoly, The River Press, January 25, 1882, p. 4.
• Grand Excursion, Helena Weekly Herald, August 30, 1883, p. 5.
• The Railroad Celebration, Helena Weekly Herald, September 13, 1883, pp. 4-5.

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EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Statehood

By the 1880s, residents of the Montana Territory were ready to embrace statehood and enjoy benefits like full representation in Congress, the power to tax local corporations, and federal land grants to support education. Although there had been previous attempts locally and nationally to create the new state, it took 25 years for Montana Territory to become a state.

Key dates

February 22, 1889—President Cleveland signs the Omnibus Bill, an "enabling act" notifying North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Montana that if they drew up proper constitutions, they would be granted statehood.
July 4, 1889—Representatives elected from across Montana open a constitutional convention in Helena.
October 1, 1889—In a general election, Montanans approve the new state constitution and elect Joseph K. Toole governor.
November 8, 1889—President Harrison proclaims Montana the 41st state.

From the newspapers

• Victory Won, Great Falls Tribune, February 23, 1889, p. 2
• Grover Agrees, Helena Independent, February 23, 1889, p. 4
• Four New States, Livingston Enterprise, May 25, 1889, p. 6
• The Constitutional Convention, Helena Independent, July 04, 1889, p. 4
• Our Great State, Great Falls Tribune, July 17, 1889, p. 1
• The Convention, Livingston Enterprise, July 20, 1889, p. 1
• A Sovereign People, Helena Independent, November 09, 1889, p. 1
• Gov. Toole’s Proclamation, Great Falls Leader, November 12, 1889 p. 1
• Statehood at Last and Montana is a State, The New North-west, November 15, 1889, p. 2

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey


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EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: The Mullan Road

Before the extension of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883, it was difficult to get people and goods from one side of Montana Territory to the other. The Mullan Road was a U.S. Army project built to move troops to the Indian wars. Named for Lieutenant John Mullan, it was the first wagon road to extend from the Missouri River over the Rocky Mountains, through Northern Idaho and beyond. The road became a vital transportation link, and parts of it were incorporated into major roadways that are still in use.

Key dates

1859—The U.S. War Department appropriates funds for construction of a military road between Washington Territory and the Missouri River.
1862—The Mullan Military Road is completed.
1880—Improvements are made on sections of the old Mullan Road.
1893—The completion of the Great Northern Railroad through Montana decreases demand for an overland wagon route.

From the newspapers

• The Mullan Road, Montana Post, October 6, 1866, p. 2
• The Mullan Road, Montana Post, January 26, 1867, p. 1
• The Western Route, Montana Post, June 8, 1867, p. 1
• The Mullan Road, Montana Post, July 10, 1868, p. 8
• The Mullan Road, Montana Post, January 15, 1869, p. 1
• Territorial News, Rocky Mountain Husbandman, September 18, 1879, p. 2

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Search for the following terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: mullan, mullan road, western slope

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Yellowstone National Park

Although the unique geological formations of the Yellowstone area were known to Native Americans and early white explorers, it wasn’t until the 1871 Hayden expedition that the rest of the U.S. population believed the stories. Photographs from the expedition were published and just a year later, in 1872, Congress created Yellowstone National Park. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction and a model for national parks in other countries.

Key dates

1805-06—Members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition hear reports of a volcano south of the Missouri River.
1807-08—Former Expedition member John Colter travels alone through a large tract of present-day Wyoming as far south as Jackson Lake. After he reports astonishing sites such as geysers and rivers of boiling water, the area is jokingly referred to as “Colter’s Hell.”
1870—The Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition returns with detailed maps and observations, and various members publish first-hand accounts in national periodicals.
1871—Congress appoints Ferdinand V. Hayden to make an official geological survey. Hayden is accompanied by artist Thomas Moran and photographer William Henry Jackson.
March 1, 1872—President Grant signs a bill creating the world’s first national park. It is comprised of 2.2 million acres of wilderness.
1894—The Lacey Act prohibits “the hunting, or the killing or wounding, or capturing. . . of any bird or wild animal, except dangerous animals” in the Park.

From the newspapers

• A National Park, Helena Weekly Herald, January 18, 1872, p. 7
• The Flatheads and the Yellowstone, The New North-west, January 20, 1872, p. 4
• A National Park, Helena Weekly Herald, February 01, 1872, p. 2
• The Yellowstone National Park, The New North-west, March 08, 1873, p. 3
• The Yellowstone National Park, Helena Weekly Herald, December 25, 1873, p. 8
• The Hand of the Prince, Helena Independent, March 14, 1892, Morning, p. 5
• The Yellowstone Park: Proper Transportation Facilities Recommended by Engineers, Red Lodge Picket, January 13, 1894, p. 3
• The Killing Goes On: Recent Talk About the Big Game in Yellowstone Park, Anaconda Standard, June 15, 1896, p. 9

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Search for these terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: yellowstone park, dr. ferdinand hayden, nathaniel pitt (n.p.) langford, henry d. washburn, john colter

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Sarah (Sallie) Gammon Bickford

Born into slavery, Sarah Gammon Bickford came west to Montana as the nanny for a Federal judge in 1871. Making Virginia City her home, she married a black miner with whom she had three children, all of whom died in childhood. She then married a white man and had four more children. Her second husband’s death left her the majority owner of the Virginia City Water Company, which she soon owned entirely after purchasing the rest of the stock. She was the first and only woman in Montana to own a utility. Sallie died in 1931.

Key dates

1855—Sarah (called Sallie) Eva Blair is born a slave in Tennessee.
1866—Freed from slavery, she moves to Knoxville, Tennessee to live with her aunt, Nancy Gammon. She takes Gammon as her last name.
1871—Travels to Virginia City, Montana, as a nanny for Judge John Luttrell Murphy.
1872—Marries miner John Brown, divorcing him eight years later.
1881—Ten-year-old daughter Eva dies.
1883—Marries Stephen (Dick) Bickford.
1890—Inherits two-thirds ownership in Virginia City Water Company.
1902—Purchases all remaining Water Company stock.

From the newspapers

• Died, The Benton Weekly Record, June 30, 1881, p. 5.
• Virginia City Letter, The Semi-weekly Miner, October 20, 1883, p. 1.
• From Friday’s Daily, The Benton Weekly Record, November 3, 1883, p. 5.
• Boreas Did It, The Madisonian, December 5, 1896, p. 1.
• In Virginia City, The Anaconda Standard, July 2, 1898, p. 3.
• Woman of Color Water Magnate, The Ronan Pioneer, November 23, 1917, p. 7.
• Virginia City to Vote on Water Plant Purchase, Great Falls Daily Tribune, May 20, 1919, p. 4.

To find more

Search for these terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: sallie bickford, sallie brown, mrs. bickford, dick bickford, elmer bickford, virginia city water company

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Calamity Jane

Martha Jane Cannary (or Canary) is a unique character in the lore of the West. She spent a portion of her childhood in Virginia City (Montana Territory) but was orphaned at the age of twelve. The eldest of six, she worked at a variety of jobs to support her younger siblings. It was as a scout for the U.S. Army that she first traveled to Deadwood (Dakota Territory), where many of the tall tales about her life took root. The source of her nickname is uncertain. Cannary claimed it related to her acts of heroism, i.e., she was a good friend to have in a calamity. As an adult, Cannary ranched near Miles City, Montana, and for many years, Calamity Jane sightings appeared in Montana newspapers. These accounts documented her heavy drinking, which is said to have contributed to her death at age 51. At her request, she was buried in Deadwood next to her friend, "Wild Bill" Hickok.

Key dates

1852—Born in Missouri.
1865—With her family travels by wagon to Montana Territory. During the five-month journey, Martha hunts with the men, honing her shooting skills.
1876—Meets James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok in Deadwood, South Dakota.
1882—Buys a ranch on the Yellowstone River.
1895—Travels throughout the Midwest with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, performing astride her horse as a sharpshooter.
1903—Dies in a Terry, South Dakota, hotel room.

From the newspapers

• Calamity Jane Settled Down, River Press, November 29, 1882, p. 1
• Calamity Jane an Agent, Anaconda Standard, October 30, 1896, p. 5
• One True Chapter, The Anaconda Standard, December 7, 1896, p. 5
• Jane Jumps Her Job, Red Lodge Picket, July 19, 1901, p. 1
• Calamity Jane’s Thirst Causes All Her Trouble, Butte Inter Mountain, June 3, 1902, p. 5
• No Poor House for Her, Red Lodge Picket, June 6, 1902, p. 1
• For Relief of Calamity, The Billings Gazette, September 12, 1902, p. 5
• Has Crossed Great Divide, Billings Gazette, August 4, 1903, p. 8

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Search for the following terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: calamity jane, martha jane cannary (or canary), wild bill hickok, buffalo bill cody

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Helen Piotopowaka (The Bird That Comes Home) Clarke

Born the daughter of a prominent Scottish-American and his Blackfeet wife, Helen (Nellie) Piotopowaka Clarke spent most of her childhood at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, returning to Montana a polished and well-educated young woman. She worked as an actress, a schoolteacher, and an Indian agent for the U.S. government. She was the first woman elected to public office in Montana, becoming the superintendent of public schools for Lewis and Clark County at age 38.

Key dates

1846—Born at the mouth of the Judith River.
1869—Father murdered by a group of Blackfeet men.
1875—Takes a teaching position in Helena.
1884—Elected Superintendent of Schools for Lewis and Clark County.
1889—Leaves Montana to work for the Indian Bureau as an allotment agent.
1909—With her brother, Horace, is granted tribal membership and allotments.
1923—Dies at East Glacier Park Village, Montana.

From the newspapers

• Particular of the Murder of Malcolm Clarke, The New North-west, August 27, 1869, p. 2.
• City and County, The Bozeman Weekly Chronicle, September 10, 1884, p. 3.
• Sunbeams, Sun River Sun, October 30, 1884, p. 2.
• Amateur Theatricals, The Semi-weekly Miner, December 5, 1885, p. 4.
• A Child of the Howling West, The Bozeman Weekly Chronicle, June 30, 1886, p. 4.
• Official Count, Butte Semi-weekly Miner, November 13, 1886, p. 2.
• City and State, The River Press, October 21, 1905, p. 5.
• City and State, The River Press, October 28, 1903, p. 6.
• Local Notes, The Whitefish Pilot, April 27, 1911, p. 5.
• Another Move Made to Open Blackfeet Reservation, Cut Bank Pioneer Press, November 19, 1915, p. 1.
• Showings of Copper Ore Found in Swift Current Creek in 1894 Resulted in Purchase of Land Which Later Became Glacier Park, Great Falls Tribune, June 5, 1921, p. 12.

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EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Montana Tech's founding

The Enabling Act of 1889, which created the State of Montana, provided for the establishment of a school of mines. Although the proposal faced controversy in the state legislature, the Montana School of Mines finally opened its doors to a class of 21 in 1900. The sole cost of attendance for a Montana resident was the $5 registration fee.

Key dates

1889—The federal Enabling Act appropriates 100,000 acres of public land for a school of mines.
1893—The state legislature appropriates $15,000 for the creation of the School of Mines in or near Butte; however, bank failures in Helena prevent construction from starting.
March 1895—State representative Howard Paschal’s bill, providing solid funding for the school, is approved.
December 1896—Cornerstone laid in Butte.
1897—Complaints and charges of fraud slow construction.
1900—Both female and male students start classes.

From the newspapers

• For the School of Mines, Great Falls Tribune, April 21, 1893, p. 7
• Not a Sod Yet Turned, Anaconda Standard, June 03, 1894, p. 5
• The School of Mines, Anaconda Standard, February 18, 1895, p. 4
• State School of Mines, Anaconda Standard, March 12, 1895, p. 5
• It May Be Erected, Anaconda Standard, November 02, 1895, p. 8
• Corner Stone Laid, Anaconda Standard, December 30, 1896, p. 7
• Charges of Fraud, Anaconda Standard, May 17, 1897, p. 8
• School of Mines, Billings Gazette, January 06, 1899, p. 3
• A Step Forward, Anaconda Standard, December 08, 1899, p. 6

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Montana State University's founding

In 1862, the Morrill Land Grant Act provides land for at least one college in each state to promote education in science, classical studies, agriculture and engineering. When Montana becomes a state in 1889, cities vie for the opportunity to host the college. It was awarded to the city of Bozeman in 1893.

Key dates

February 16, 1893—The Montana State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts is founded in Bozeman, Montana.
April 17, 1893—Augustus M. Ryon appointed president.

From the newspapers

• The Agricultural College, Daily Yellowstone Journal, January 07, 1893, p. 3
• For the Fourth Time, Helena Independent, January 15, 1893, p. 8
• Agricultural College, Helena Independent, April 05, 1893, p. 8
• For Agricultural Students, Weekly Tribune, April 07, 1893, p. 4
• Agricultural Schools, Anaconda Standard, April 15, 1893, p. 6
• The Experiment Station, Anaconda Standard, April 26, 1893, p. 6
• Professor Ryon Honored, New North-west, April 29, 1893, p. 3
• Ready Now for Work, Anaconda Standard, September 11, 1893, p. 1
• The Montana State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, Anaconda Standard, September 14, 1893, p. 3  

To find more

Search for these terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: montana agricultural college, mac, augustus m. ryon (or a.m. ryon)

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: The Great Fire of 1910

On August 20, 1910, in the midst of a drought, lightning, locomotives, and backfiring crews sparked mutiple fires in northeast Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana. The flames soon converged into what became known as The Big Burn, a forest fire that took 80 lives and burned more than three million acres in 36 hours.

Key dates

1905—The U.S. Forest Service is founded, in part to protect forests from fire and from "exploiters" like poachers, loggers, and livestock grazers.
June–August 1910—A three-year drought culminates in 1000-3000 small fires in Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
August 20, 1910—Gale-force winds cause small fires to burn into each other, creating an unstoppable inferno and leading to widespread destruction across northwestern Montana and northern Idaho.

In the newspapers

• Forest Fires in Merciless Sweep Destroy Towns in Coeur D’Alenes, Daily Missoulian, August 21, 1910, p. 1
• Death and Destruction Still Follow in the Wake of Fierce Forest Fires, Daily Missoulian, August 22, 1910, p. 1
• Riders are Driven Through Fires and J. G. Boyd is Victim of Flames, Daily Missoulian, August 22, 1910, p. 7
• In Lincoln County Situation is Bad and Encouraging News From Spokane, Daily Missoulian, August 23, 1910, p. 6
• Known Death List Dwindles with Late Reports, Daily Missoulian, August 24, 1910, p. 1
• Flee from Forest Fires and Frightful Forest Fires, River Press, August 24, 2010, p. 1
• Death in Wake of Awful Fires, Yellowstone Monitor, August 25, 1910, p. 1
• Forest Fires, The Searchlight, August 26, 1910, p. 8
• Pinchot Scores Congress for the Fires and Graves Discusses Situation, Daily Missoulian, August 27, 1910, p. 5
• Passing Events, Daily Missoulian, August 28, 1910, p. 6
• Forestry Lessons Taught by the Great Fires, Daily Missoulian, November 20, 1910, p. 5
• Fire Conditions Better in State and Carter Replies to Pinchot, Yellowstone Monitor, September 1, 1910, p. 1

To find more

Search for these terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: forest fire (limit by date range), wallace, st. regis, st. joe, taft, haugan, thompson falls, avery, forest service, gifford pinchot, ed pulaski, 25th regiment, big blowup, devil’s broom fire

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Battle of the Little Big Horn

The Battle of the Little Bighorn (also known as Battle of the Greasy Grass) was part of the Great Sioux War. A conflict between the U.S. 7th Cavalry—including General George Armstrong Custer’s 700-man battalion—and combined Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho forces, "Custer’s Last Stand" was a quick and decisive victory for the tribes.

Key dates

June 1876—Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne forces meet at Rosebud Creek in Montana Territory.
June 24, 1876—Custer’s scouts discover a large Indian village on the Little Bighorn River in Eastern Montana.
June 25, 1876—Custer attacks the village at midday and the battle ensues. Custer and 267 of his men are killed.
July 5, 1876—News of the battle spreads to the rest of the country.

From the newspapers

• The Demons of the Plains, A Terrible Slaughter of Soldiers, and The Fight on the Little Horn, The New North-west, July 7, 1876, p. 2
• Montana Volunteers, The New North-west, July 14, 1876, p. 2
• Our Bozeman Letter, The New North-west, July 14, 1876. p. 3
• The Custer Massacre, The New North-west, July 21, 1876, p. 2
• Major Reno, The New North-west, November 30, 1877, p. 2
• The Custer Massacre, The New North-west, July 2, 1886, p. 2
• The Sad Story Retold, Anaconda Standard, March 19, 1893, p. 5
• One More Witness of What Happened in the Custer Field, Anaconda Standard, July 25, 1899, p. 15
• Gen. Custer’s Last Fight, Dupuyer Acantha, February 7, 1901, p. 3
• Custer’s Last Stand, Rosebud County News, July 3, 1902, p. 8
• Back Trailing on the Old Frontiers, Great Falls Tribune, October 22, 1922, p. 3

To find more

Search for the following terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: little bighorn (or big horn), custer, major reno, crazy horse, rosebud creek, chief gall, sitting bull, custer massacre, custer’s last stand, custer’s last fight, 7th cavalry

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Jeannette Rankin

An early champion of women’s rights, Jeannette Rankin was instrumental in the passage of women’s suffrage in Montana in 1914 and later, at the national level. An avowed pacifist, she is noted for voting against U.S. entry into both World War I and World War II. A statue of Rankin, inscribed "I Cannot Vote For War," stands in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall, and a copy stands in the Montana State Capitol in Helena, Montana.

Key dates

June 11, 1880—Born near Missoula, Montana.
1902—Graduates from the University of Montana.
November 1914—Full suffrage granted to women in Montana.
November 1916—Elected to U.S. House of Representatives.
November 1940—At age 60, again wins a seat in U.S. House of Representatives.
December 8, 1941—Casts the only vote against declaring war on Japan.
January 1968—Leads the Jeannette Rankin Brigade, a coalition of women’s peace groups, on a march in Washington, D.C.
May 18, 1973—Dies in Carmel, California.

From the newspapers

• Ballots Demanded for Women, Daily Missoulian, January 12, 1911, p. 10
• A Missoula Girl’s Stern Campaign, Daily Missoulian, December 10, 1911, p. 11
• Suffrage Tour a Lesson in Devotion, Daily Missoulian, February 15, 1914, p. 3
• Big Crowd Hears Talks by Women, Daily Missoulian, May 03, 1914, p. 6
• Miss Rankin is Coming Saturday, Cut Bank Pioneer Press, September 15, 1916, p. 1
• Country Watches Jeanette Rankin, Glasgow Courier, September 22, 1916, p. 1
• Jeannette Rankin for Congress, The Enterprise, October 12, 1916, p. 1
• Jeanette Makes Bow in Congress, Ronan Pioneer, April 13, 1917, p. 5
• Mixing With Non-Partisans, The Glasgow Courier July 19, 1918, p. 1
• Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin Candidate for United States Senate, The Producers News, August 16, 1918, p. 1
• Jeannette Rankin Unanimous Farmer Labor Candidate for Senator, Montana Leader, September 28, 1918, p. 1

To find more

Search for the following terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: jeannette (or jeanette) rankin, suffrage

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Glacier National Park

The glacial peaks of northwest Montana had been home to Blackfeet, Salish and Kootenai peoples for hundreds of years, and later became popular with whites for fishing and hunting. Gradually, word of the area’s unique beauty spread. Efforts to protect it began as early as the 1880s, simultaneous with the expansion of the Great Northern Railway, which constructed lodging, transported visitors, and promoted the park to tourists. In 1924, surveying begins for the Going–To–The–Sun Road, one of the first National Park Service projects intended specifically to accommodate motor vehicles.

Key dates

1855—The Lame Bull Treaty establishes the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
1880s—George Bird Grinnell works to establish a park.
1891—The Great Northern Railway crosses the Continental Divide at Marias Pass.
1895—Chief White Calf of the Blackfeet sells 800,000 acres to the U.S.
May 11, 1910—President Taft signs the bill creating Glacier National Park. Annual visitation is around 4000.
1932—Going–To–The–Sun Road completed.
1940—Annual visitor count exceeds 177,000.

From the newspapers

• Game Will Always Be Plentiful, Whitefish Pilot, January 10, 1908, p. 1
• Favors Glacier Park, Whitefish Pilot, January 10, 1908, p. 2
• The Glacier National Park, River Press, April 29, 1908, p. 1
• New Roads in Park, Whitefish Pilot, October 14, 1909, p. 1
• New Glacier Park Explained, Daily Missoulian, February 07, 1910, p. 6
• New National Park, Fergus County Democrat, April 19, 1910, p. 3
• Miss Roosevelt at Lake McDonald, Whitefish Pilot, August 18, 1910, p. 2
• Beautiful Lake McDonald, The Enterprise, May 25, 1911, p. 1
• The 1913 Glidden Tour From Minneapolis to Glacier National Park, Judith Gap Journal, August 22, 1913, p. 4
• Glacier Park to be Made More Attractive By Opening Up of the Belly River Region, Great Falls Tribune, January 4, 1920, p. 3
• Congress to Spend $563,000 to Make Glacier National Park More Alluring to Those Who Would Motor Through Its Grandeur, Great Falls Tribune, May 1, 1921, p. 3

To find more

Search for these terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: glacier park, lake mcdonald, great northern railroad, blackfeet indian reservation

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey
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EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Barbed Wire

Prior to the invention of barbed wire, cattle and sheep grazed on an uninterrupted landscape, like bison, and were freely herded long distances in search of fresh grass. With few trees and rocks, the West lacked sufficient native material for fences and walls. When barbed wire arrived, farmers were able to protect cultivated land from roaming animals, and within a few years, thousands of small homesteaders were fencing off the open range. This was good for the farmers but not for the ranchers, who were now unable to move their animals from pasture to pasture or drive them long distances to market.

Key dates

1863—Michael Kelly develops a fencing material with points attached to twisted strands of wire.
1867—Lucien B. Smith of Kent, Ohio, receives the first patent.
1874—Joseph Glidden and Isaac Ellwood start The Barb Fence Company and develop machinery to mass-produce the product.

From the newspapers

• Barbed Wire Fence, River Press,  November 03, 1880, p. 2
• Town Talk, Helena Weekly Herald, November 18, 1880, p. 8
• To the Farmers of Montana, River Press, April 20, 1881, p. 1
• Barbed Wire Fences Again, Rocky Mountain Husbandman, January 04, 1883, p. 1
• Barbed Wire Fence Defended, Rocky Mountain Husbandman, April 17, 1884, p. 1
• Millions in Barbed Wire, Daily Yellowstone Journal, November 10, 1891, p. 2.
• Origin of Barbed Wire, River Press, July 03, 1907, p. 2.
• Fence Prevents Wolves From Devouring Sheep, Ekalaka Eagle, November 11, 1910, p. 6
• Peace is Cheap, Ronan Pioneer, June 11, 1915, p. 3

To find more

Search for the following terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: barbed wire, barbed wire fence, ellwood fence

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey

EXTRA! Montana Newspaper Stories 1864-1922: Bison Recovery and Protection

As early as the 1830s, explorers in the American West began to predict the eventual extermination of bison (B. b. bison). In time, conservationists, including wild game hunters, sought legislation to protect bison herds. Ranchers like Michel Pablo and Charles Allard also attempted to save the wild bison. Some herds were relocated to Canada, while others migrated to Yellowstone National Park.

Key dates

1872—In an effort to protect the herds, the territorial legislature establishes an annual bison-hunting season, running from February to mid-August.
1874—The U.S. Congress passes HR921, which prohibited the "useless slaughter" of bison within U.S. territories. President Grant refuses to sign the bill.
1894—The National Park Protective Act imposes penalties for poaching in national parks.
1895–1901—Montana counties appoint game wardens to enforce hunting laws.
1909—More than 18,000 acres on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana are designated The National Bison Range.

From the newspapers

• Montana Legislature (February 21st), Bozeman Avant Courier, February 27, 1879, p. 3
• Allard’s Famous Herd of Buffalos Snapped by Standard’s Camera, Anaconda Standard, November 26, 1899, p. 28
• To Preserve Bison, Yellowstone Monitor, April 2, 1908, p. 1
• American Bison Society Publishes Annual Report, Daily Missoulian, June 27, 1909, p. 9
• All But the Outlaws of Great Buffalo Herd Moved From Flathead to Make Room for the Settler, Daily Missoulian, July 4, 1909, p. 13
• The Buffalo is Coming Back, Fergus County Democrat, September 2, 1913, p. 2
• The Buffalo Comes Back, Great Falls Daily Tribune, August 15, 1919, p. 6
• Back Trailing on the Old Frontiers, Great Falls Tribune, August 6, 1922, p. 3

To find more

Search the following terms in combination, proximity, or as phrases: bison, buffalo, preservation, american bison society, yellowstone national park, national park protective act, samuel walking coyote, michel pablo, charles allard, pablo-allard herd

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Written by Catherine W. Ockey