This Date in History: April 27, 1868
Today, Bozeman may be an ideal Montana community, but the town’s atmosphere hasn’t always been so idyllic. The first few years following the town’s establishment brought conflict with nearby Native American tribes. Although white settlers tended to exaggerate Indian threats across the expanding West, Bozeman’s fears were justified with the presence of a neighboring band of Blackfeet. Recognized for animosity against whites who moved into their territory, the Blackfeet fought against Bozeman’s founding, hoping to force settlers further west while detracting future white men from the area. On April 27, 1868, a Blackfeet war party rode into Bozeman in the middle of the night, raiding the community and escaping with fifteen stolen horses. The raids continued throughout the late 1860s, and military action was summoned to distill resident fears. As a result of the military influence, more than 170 innocent Piegan Indians were slaughtered in January 1870 while the true culprits escaped justice.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Pryor Mountain National Wild Horse Range
The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range was established after a two-year grassroots effort by citizens concerned about the longterm welfare of the Pryor Mountain horses. In 1968, interested individuals and groups convinced Interior Secretary Stewart Udall to set aside 31,000 acres in the Pryor Mountains as a public range for the wild horses. This was the first of its kind in the nation.
Unique Horses
For more than a century, the Pryor Mountains have been home to free-roaming bands of wild horses. This herd of horses is a genetically unique population. Blood typing by the Genetics Department of the University of Kentucky has indicated that these horses are closely related to the old type European Spanish
horse.
As you explore the range, look for horses with unusual coloring which may correspond to their Spanish lineage, such as dun, grulla, blue roan and the rare sabino. Also watch for primitive markings such as a dorsal stripe down their back, wither stripes, and zebra stripes on their legs. These unusual features are considered typical of Spanish characteristics.
So, where did the horses come from? The origins are unclear, but a common belief is that the horses escaped from local Native American Indian herds and eventually found a safe haven in the Pryors. Like many wild horse populations, the Pryor horses live within family groups. As you travel throughout the Range, you may find over 25 family groups and assorted “bachelor” stallions. Most families (or harems) average 5-6 animals, with a dominant stallion, a lead mare, and a variety of other mares and young animals. Horses love to follow a good leader and the Pryor horses are no different. The Pryor stallions seem to make the daily decisions for the rest of the family group, but in other populations mares.
Click here to read more!
Unique Horses
For more than a century, the Pryor Mountains have been home to free-roaming bands of wild horses. This herd of horses is a genetically unique population. Blood typing by the Genetics Department of the University of Kentucky has indicated that these horses are closely related to the old type European Spanish
horse.
As you explore the range, look for horses with unusual coloring which may correspond to their Spanish lineage, such as dun, grulla, blue roan and the rare sabino. Also watch for primitive markings such as a dorsal stripe down their back, wither stripes, and zebra stripes on their legs. These unusual features are considered typical of Spanish characteristics.
So, where did the horses come from? The origins are unclear, but a common belief is that the horses escaped from local Native American Indian herds and eventually found a safe haven in the Pryors. Like many wild horse populations, the Pryor horses live within family groups. As you travel throughout the Range, you may find over 25 family groups and assorted “bachelor” stallions. Most families (or harems) average 5-6 animals, with a dominant stallion, a lead mare, and a variety of other mares and young animals. Horses love to follow a good leader and the Pryor horses are no different. The Pryor stallions seem to make the daily decisions for the rest of the family group, but in other populations mares.
Click here to read more!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
The Bozeman Cemetery
There are few plots of land in Montana that have as much history buried in them as the Bozeman Cemetery. The stories of the individuals buried here—their dreams, achievements, and failures —give us a rich picture not only of Bozeman’s history, but also the history of the West. Learn about the life and death of John Bozeman, Nelson Story, Ellen Trent Story, James D. Chestnut, “Lady” Mary Blackmore, Henry T.P. Comstock, Monroe “Beaver” Nelson, Frank “Doc” Nelson, and Chester R. “Chet” Huntley.
John Bozeman
b. 1835 in Georgia d. 1867
When gold was discovered in Colorado, John Bozeman left Georgia in 1860 and headed West, leaving a wife and three children behind. By 1862 Bozeman had traveled to the gold strike in Bannack in what was to become Montana Territory.
The 1860s were turbulent years in Montana’s history. The successive gold strikes brought thousands of fortune seekers within weeks of each discovery. The rich mining camps were terrorized by thieves and murderers; vigilante committees were organized. Meanwhile, the steady stream of wagon trains through Indian hunting grounds convinced the Sioux and Cheyenne that they must fight to keep their land. Back in the States the Civil War raged, creating tensions between Montana’s Northern and Southern emigrants as well as between Southerners who were Confederate Army veterans and those who had avoided military service. It was indeed, the Wild West.
The mining camps of Bannack and Alder Gulch (Virginia City) were dependent on potatoes and flour freighted in from Salt Lake City 400 miles away. The immensely fertile Gallatin Valley was only 60 miles from Virginia City, and it was here in 1863 that John Bozeman conceived the idea of starting a farming community that could supply the miners. Bozeman guided several wagon trains into the area on a trail that shortened the trip by almost two weeks. Over time, it became known as the Bozeman Trail, but after 1864 his energy went into fostering the growth of his town site.
John Bozeman did not fit the typical image of the frontiersman in fringed buckskins. Various contemporaries described him as over six-feet tall, strong, brave, handsome, kind, stalwart, and tireless, with “the looks and ways of a manly man.” He was a Southern gentleman, a well dressed Beau Brummel, and no doubt a heart throb.
He was murdered in 1867, only three years after the establishment of the town of Bozeman. While on a trip with Tom Cover to solicit business for the town’s flour mill, he was shot on the banks of the Yellowstone River. The accepted story has been that he was murdered by Blackfeet Indians, but inconsistencies in the information have over time resulted in a mystery that variously points the finger of blame at Tom Cover (an interesting individual who was himself
murdered under mysterious circumstances years later) or at a jealous husband of one of the few women in town.
John Bozeman’s death insured the survival of his town. Fear of Indian attacks led to the establishment in 1867 of Fort Ellis three miles east of the town which provided both protection and a ready market for Bozeman’s farms and merchants. Bozeman’s remains were returned to the town three years later. His friend, fellow Georgian William McKenzie, died in 1913 and is buried next to him.
Nelson Story
b. 1838 in Ohio d. 1926
Click here to read more!
John Bozeman
b. 1835 in Georgia d. 1867
When gold was discovered in Colorado, John Bozeman left Georgia in 1860 and headed West, leaving a wife and three children behind. By 1862 Bozeman had traveled to the gold strike in Bannack in what was to become Montana Territory.
The 1860s were turbulent years in Montana’s history. The successive gold strikes brought thousands of fortune seekers within weeks of each discovery. The rich mining camps were terrorized by thieves and murderers; vigilante committees were organized. Meanwhile, the steady stream of wagon trains through Indian hunting grounds convinced the Sioux and Cheyenne that they must fight to keep their land. Back in the States the Civil War raged, creating tensions between Montana’s Northern and Southern emigrants as well as between Southerners who were Confederate Army veterans and those who had avoided military service. It was indeed, the Wild West.
The mining camps of Bannack and Alder Gulch (Virginia City) were dependent on potatoes and flour freighted in from Salt Lake City 400 miles away. The immensely fertile Gallatin Valley was only 60 miles from Virginia City, and it was here in 1863 that John Bozeman conceived the idea of starting a farming community that could supply the miners. Bozeman guided several wagon trains into the area on a trail that shortened the trip by almost two weeks. Over time, it became known as the Bozeman Trail, but after 1864 his energy went into fostering the growth of his town site.
John Bozeman did not fit the typical image of the frontiersman in fringed buckskins. Various contemporaries described him as over six-feet tall, strong, brave, handsome, kind, stalwart, and tireless, with “the looks and ways of a manly man.” He was a Southern gentleman, a well dressed Beau Brummel, and no doubt a heart throb.
He was murdered in 1867, only three years after the establishment of the town of Bozeman. While on a trip with Tom Cover to solicit business for the town’s flour mill, he was shot on the banks of the Yellowstone River. The accepted story has been that he was murdered by Blackfeet Indians, but inconsistencies in the information have over time resulted in a mystery that variously points the finger of blame at Tom Cover (an interesting individual who was himself
murdered under mysterious circumstances years later) or at a jealous husband of one of the few women in town.
John Bozeman’s death insured the survival of his town. Fear of Indian attacks led to the establishment in 1867 of Fort Ellis three miles east of the town which provided both protection and a ready market for Bozeman’s farms and merchants. Bozeman’s remains were returned to the town three years later. His friend, fellow Georgian William McKenzie, died in 1913 and is buried next to him.
Nelson Story
b. 1838 in Ohio d. 1926
Click here to read more!
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Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Jurassic Park III
A few years ago, Bozeman hosted the world premiere of Jurassic Park III. The model for actor Sam Neills character is Bozeman’s own Jack Horner, world famous paleontologist and curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman. In one of the early scenes actress Laura Dern mentions she’s using Horner as a source for her latest book. The next scene supposedly takes place at Fort Peck Lake in eastern Montana. In it, actor Neill is driving a Museum of the Rockies vehicle. Horner was the technical advisor for this movie as he was for the two previous JP thrillers.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
The Establishment of Montana State University
This Date in History: April 17, 1893
On April 17, 1893, the long-awaited Agricultural College of Montana opened its Bozeman doors for the first time. Featuring just four faculty members and eight students, the land grant school did not have time to construct any campus buildings before the required operational date of July 1, 1893. As a result, the college’s classes were held in a leased roller skating rink in downtown Bozeman. Although the Agricultural College started out on rocky footings, it eventually garnered a strong reputation, an established campus, and a new distinction as Montana State University. Today, the state university encompasses 1,170 acres in the heart of the Gallatin Valley and features a myriad of both undergraduate and graduate programs. The school’s popularity has significantly grown as well with 694 full-time and 303 part-time faculty serving the needs of over 12,000 total students.
On April 17, 1893, the long-awaited Agricultural College of Montana opened its Bozeman doors for the first time. Featuring just four faculty members and eight students, the land grant school did not have time to construct any campus buildings before the required operational date of July 1, 1893. As a result, the college’s classes were held in a leased roller skating rink in downtown Bozeman. Although the Agricultural College started out on rocky footings, it eventually garnered a strong reputation, an established campus, and a new distinction as Montana State University. Today, the state university encompasses 1,170 acres in the heart of the Gallatin Valley and features a myriad of both undergraduate and graduate programs. The school’s popularity has significantly grown as well with 694 full-time and 303 part-time faculty serving the needs of over 12,000 total students.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Montana's Crazy Mountains
Rising jaggedly against the horizon near Grey Cliff and Big Timber, the Crazy Mountains are a scenic landmark on Interstate 90. Called Awaxaawippiia by the Apsaalooka (Crow) Indians, the Crazy Mountains are an igneous formation forged about 50 million years ago. For the Apsaalooka, they are the most sacred and revered mountains on the northern Great Plains. Awaxaawippiia was a place of refuge and protection. The Apsaalooka’s enemies would not follow them into the mountains. Because of their great spiritual power, Awaxaawippiia continues to be an important vision quest site for the tribe. Famed Chief Plenty Coups had a vision there in 1857 in which, he said, the end of the plains Indian way-of-life was shown to him.
There are several stories about how the mountains received their current name. The most popular story indicates that a woman traveling across the lonely plains with a wagon train went insane. She escaped from the party and was found near these mountains. So they were called the Crazy Woman Mountains, a name which was eventually shortened. Perhaps the mountains were named, as others have claimed, because of their crazy appearance.
However they received their title, it is an undisputed fact that the Crazy Mountains were an important landmark for Bozeman Trail emigrants in the Yellowstone Valley. This district was great cow and sheep country in the days of the open range, and there are still a number of large ranches in the vicinity, though now under fence. Today, the mountains also provide a recreational sanctuary for backcountry enthusiasts to retreat into one of Montana’s many wild places.
Partially reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia”
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Hot Springs: Soaking Away the Winter Blahs
Situated in northwestern Montana, the community of Hot Springs is aptly named after its abundance of hot mineral springs and mud baths. The local Indians and settlers believed the natural waters and hot mud had healing powers. There are three locations where you can indulge yourself and soak away your mental and physical aches and pains.
One location is at the edge of town. It was originally called Camas Hot Springs and is owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The springs receive little upkeep, but they are free. This site includes two hot water plunges, each roughly three feet deep. There is also a gazebo with a shallow mud bath in which visitors can soak. Known as the “corn hole” this mud foot bath is rumored to remove corns by soaking your feet for several hours in it. There are no lifeguards here and alcohol of any sort is prohibited. There is a public restroom equipped with water hoses to wash off the mud.
If you want to move upscale a notch for your soaks, try the historic Symes Hotel in town. They have baths and a new outdoor mineral swimming pool and spa which are open to the public for a small admission charge.
Near Hot Springs off of Highway 28 is the Wild Horse Hot Springs. Here you can rent private rooms with plunges and steam saunas and restrooms by the hour.
Call the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce at 741-2662 for more information.
Reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia.”
One location is at the edge of town. It was originally called Camas Hot Springs and is owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The springs receive little upkeep, but they are free. This site includes two hot water plunges, each roughly three feet deep. There is also a gazebo with a shallow mud bath in which visitors can soak. Known as the “corn hole” this mud foot bath is rumored to remove corns by soaking your feet for several hours in it. There are no lifeguards here and alcohol of any sort is prohibited. There is a public restroom equipped with water hoses to wash off the mud.
If you want to move upscale a notch for your soaks, try the historic Symes Hotel in town. They have baths and a new outdoor mineral swimming pool and spa which are open to the public for a small admission charge.
Near Hot Springs off of Highway 28 is the Wild Horse Hot Springs. Here you can rent private rooms with plunges and steam saunas and restrooms by the hour.
Call the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce at 741-2662 for more information.
Reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia.”
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