1301 6th Ave., Helena. (406) 444-4789
A symbol of Montana’s statehood, lively past, and enduring future, the state capital rests against the hills of Helena with a commanding panoramic view of the Helena Valley. Explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark called this area “Prickly Pear Valley” when they traversed it in 1805. A century of exploration, trapping, prospecting, mining, settlement and development occurred in what became Montana, before the construction of a State Capital was achieved.
The mining camp of Last Chance Gulch was born with the discovery of placer gold by the “Four Georgians” in 1864. The fledgling camp soon changed to Helena. Surprisingly, the community did not die when the gold ran out because the merchants turned it into a banking and supply center. By 1875, Helena had wrested the Montana Territorial capital from Virginia City.
When Montana joined the Union in 1889, a battle for the permanent state capital ensued. In 1894 Helena (backed by Copper King William A. Clark) opposed Anaconda (supported by Copper King Marcus Daly) for this honor. Helena’s victory assured it a state capitol building, yet the National Crash of 1893 initially delayed construction.
Finally, optimism about the state’s future led the 1895 legislature to enact laws authorizing a $1million Capital, its design to be chosen in a nationwide architectural competition. Cash prizes were awarded and a design selected before funding problems were understood to be insurmountable. To make matters worse, scandal erupted when it was discovered that the Capital commissioners themselves planned to defraud the state of substantial portions of the building’s cost. Investigations were conducted in time to prevent the graft, replace the commissioners, and begin anew.
The 1897 legislature then authorized a more modest statehouse. The completed, furnished building, located on its donated parcel of land, cost approximately $485,000—less than one-half the price of the abandoned design. In 1898 Charles Emlen Bell and John Hackett Kent of Council Bluffs, Iowa, were selected as the Capital architects, on the condition that they would relocate to Helena to fulfill a legislative provision requiring selection of a Montana architect. Although denounced by the state’s resident architects, the selection proved to be a fortunate one, resulting in a handsome design that was promptly realized. After a festive corner stone-laying ceremony on Independence Day, 1899, Bell and Kent’s “Greek Ionic” neo classical Capital was constructed, faced in sandstone from a Columbus, Montana Quarry. The building was dedicated with much appreciative fanfare on July 4, 1902.
After its first decade, the Capital was enlarged (1909-1912) to accommodate the growing executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. East-and West-wing additions were designed by New York architect Frank M. Andrews in association with Montanans John G. Link and Charles S. Haire. The much-debated selection of stone for facing the wings required a special session of the legislature, which chose Jefferson County granite. A good match for the Columbus sandstone used in the original building, the granite held the added advantage of durability. The State Capital is a structure with several historical dimensions. Interwoven with Montana’s development as a state, the building’s origins recall people and practices from another age. These turn-of-the-century Montanans, conscious of their place in the progression of time, chose architecture and art that described a remote classical past as well as the passing era of the frontier. Yet they focused optimistically on the future as well. Today the Capital is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to be associated with events significant to the citizens and government
of Montana. (Excerpted from “Montana’s Capital Building”, a publication of the Montana Historical Society)
Note: A two-year renovation project of Capital was completed in early 2001. The building was restored to its original elegant charm. Years ago many of the building’s treasures were removed as attempts were made to earthquake-proof the structure. Many of those items had been purchased by Charles Bovey of Nevada and Virginia City fame. The items were in storage and once again became property of the state and were reinstalled during the project. Items that couldn’t be salvaged were replicated. The entire restoration was done at a cost of $26 million. Tours of the Capital are hourly weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends noon to 4 p.m. There is no charge for tours which are led by members of the Montana Historical Society.
Reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia”
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Montana Gift Corral
Looking to bring a symbol of Montana into your home? Searching for that perfect western gift or souvenir? Then don’t miss the huge selection of quality crafted items at the Montana Gift Corral. The Montana Gift Corral prides itself on offering sensational products by talented and creative artists with store locations in Bozeman and at Gallatin Field Airport. Can’t make it to Montana? The Montana Gift Corral offers a full selection of their signature products online. Visitors will find handmade bath and body products, Moose Drool novelty items, whimsicial bear and moose figurines, stuffed animals, wood carvings, Christmas ornaments reflecting the Montana spirit, clothing, antler art, handcrafted jewelry, gourmet foods (including Montana’s famed huckleberry products!), Montana silversmith items, household decorator items ranging from lamps to rustic furniture to picture frames, and much, much more!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Moose Drool: A Montana Legend
Moose Drool - it’s a legend emblazoned in the hearts and minds of Montana residents (if you don’t believe us, check out our “Montana Gift Corral” article to see for yourself). Refreshing, adaptable, and with a name like Moose Drool, unforgettable. Now before you start questioning the sanity of folks living in the Treasure State, keep in mind that Moose Drool really has nothing to do with slobbery spit or the prehistoric looking creature that grazes on willows adorning Montana’s riverbanks. No, dear readers, Moose Drool has nothing to do with drool at all. What it does possess, though, leaves individuals longing for more.
Moose Drool originated with the Big Sky Brewing Company and has achieved such acclaim that it is now the best selling beer brewed in Montana. Pale, caramel, chocolate, and whole black malts combine to create a chocolate brown brewery favorite with an unforgettable creamy texture. Sold throughout the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain region, and some midwestern states, Moose Drool is the stuff of happy hour get-togethers, summer barbeques, autumn hunting excursions, and quiet evenings at home.
But Moose Drool’s fame isn’t just limited to this popular Montana ale. Boasting a name that symbolizes one of the Rocky Mountain’s most magnificent creatures, Moose Drool has adapted itself to a variety of other purposes. Mixes for beer bread, sourdough beer bread, biscuits, and fish beer batter all utilize Moose Drool, and a signature barbeque sauce combines the brown ale with complex huckleberry flavors to create a Montana bestseller. The name and logo are so popular in fact that t-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, mugs, glasses, and a host of other household items advertise their love of Montana’s beloved Moose Drool.
So check it out for yourself (the Montana Gift Corral is the perfect place to find all your Moose Drool memorabilia!) and discover the stuff that Montana legends are made of!
Moose Drool originated with the Big Sky Brewing Company and has achieved such acclaim that it is now the best selling beer brewed in Montana. Pale, caramel, chocolate, and whole black malts combine to create a chocolate brown brewery favorite with an unforgettable creamy texture. Sold throughout the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain region, and some midwestern states, Moose Drool is the stuff of happy hour get-togethers, summer barbeques, autumn hunting excursions, and quiet evenings at home.
But Moose Drool’s fame isn’t just limited to this popular Montana ale. Boasting a name that symbolizes one of the Rocky Mountain’s most magnificent creatures, Moose Drool has adapted itself to a variety of other purposes. Mixes for beer bread, sourdough beer bread, biscuits, and fish beer batter all utilize Moose Drool, and a signature barbeque sauce combines the brown ale with complex huckleberry flavors to create a Montana bestseller. The name and logo are so popular in fact that t-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, mugs, glasses, and a host of other household items advertise their love of Montana’s beloved Moose Drool.
So check it out for yourself (the Montana Gift Corral is the perfect place to find all your Moose Drool memorabilia!) and discover the stuff that Montana legends are made of!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Grizzlies in Glacier: A Gunsight Chalet Encounter
Grizzlies have long served as Montana’s chosen animal symbol, and it’s a known fact that grizzlies populate the Treasure State - especially Glacier National Park. Hikers are warned of bears’ presence and instructed in bear safety etiquette, yet most backcountry users return to the civilized world devoid of bear encounters and intriguing bear tales. One great bear tale does exist, though, and it has haunted park officials and historians for decades.
Legend has it that in 1915, a mule packer transporting supplies from Sun Camp to the Gunsight Chalet encountered the largest bear tracks he had ever seen. The packer’s ten-gallon hat was tiny in comparison, and the packer knew he and his mules could be in for a dangerous adventure. Within a matter of days, one of the mules was missing, and upon tracing a scant splotch of blood and the same large bear tracks, the packer found the few remains of his mule.
The mule packer returned to camp and immediately warned a horse guide accompanying him to beware of the giant bear. And with good reason. Just a few days later, the packer’s mules spooked and rushed to the safety of their owner at the Gunsight Chalet. Determined to drive the bear away, the packer and the horse guide decided to scout out the region and put an end to the ferocious beast’s behavior. What they found, however, put an end to their plans.
Standing in a meadow near Gunsight Lake’s shores was the largest grizzly they had ever seen or even imagined to exist. The packer and guide estimated the grizzly weighed a hefty 1,000 pounds or more, and the bear with its penetrating yellow eyes showed no fear. Although the bear’s golden-brown fur bristled at the sight of its onlookers, the bear simply dropped on all fours and retreated into the brush. The encounter was the last that the packer and guide ever had with the bear, and they returned safely home at the end of the packing season.
But the giant bear was still alive and well. Historical documents report that the bear broke into Gunsight Chalet during the 1915 winter and destroyed or scattered nearly all of its contents. When word reached park authorities of the event, officials decided something had to be done with this bear and its violent temper. They immediately called in renowned bear hunter Bill Burns, instructing him to put an end to the dangerous creature. Burns did as he was told during autumn of 1916, scattering fish parts near the chalet to lure in the bruin.
Burns’ plan worked, and under the light of a full moon, the giant creature stumbled across the meadow towards the decaying entrails. Burns’ dogs broke loose, tearing into the bear and clawing for the creature’s throat. But the dogs were no match for the ferocious killer who swiped his giant paws at the dogs until they lay motionless. The bear then snatched his sack of fish and retreated to the mountains. Unable to track the bear, Burns’ reported to park officials with only another tale of the giant bear.
At that moment, park officials decided there was no stopping the bruin, and the Gunsight Chalet and surrounding area were abandoned. To this day, no one knows for sure the ultimate fate of Glacier’s giant bear.
Legend has it that in 1915, a mule packer transporting supplies from Sun Camp to the Gunsight Chalet encountered the largest bear tracks he had ever seen. The packer’s ten-gallon hat was tiny in comparison, and the packer knew he and his mules could be in for a dangerous adventure. Within a matter of days, one of the mules was missing, and upon tracing a scant splotch of blood and the same large bear tracks, the packer found the few remains of his mule.
The mule packer returned to camp and immediately warned a horse guide accompanying him to beware of the giant bear. And with good reason. Just a few days later, the packer’s mules spooked and rushed to the safety of their owner at the Gunsight Chalet. Determined to drive the bear away, the packer and the horse guide decided to scout out the region and put an end to the ferocious beast’s behavior. What they found, however, put an end to their plans.
Standing in a meadow near Gunsight Lake’s shores was the largest grizzly they had ever seen or even imagined to exist. The packer and guide estimated the grizzly weighed a hefty 1,000 pounds or more, and the bear with its penetrating yellow eyes showed no fear. Although the bear’s golden-brown fur bristled at the sight of its onlookers, the bear simply dropped on all fours and retreated into the brush. The encounter was the last that the packer and guide ever had with the bear, and they returned safely home at the end of the packing season.
But the giant bear was still alive and well. Historical documents report that the bear broke into Gunsight Chalet during the 1915 winter and destroyed or scattered nearly all of its contents. When word reached park authorities of the event, officials decided something had to be done with this bear and its violent temper. They immediately called in renowned bear hunter Bill Burns, instructing him to put an end to the dangerous creature. Burns did as he was told during autumn of 1916, scattering fish parts near the chalet to lure in the bruin.
Burns’ plan worked, and under the light of a full moon, the giant creature stumbled across the meadow towards the decaying entrails. Burns’ dogs broke loose, tearing into the bear and clawing for the creature’s throat. But the dogs were no match for the ferocious killer who swiped his giant paws at the dogs until they lay motionless. The bear then snatched his sack of fish and retreated to the mountains. Unable to track the bear, Burns’ reported to park officials with only another tale of the giant bear.
At that moment, park officials decided there was no stopping the bruin, and the Gunsight Chalet and surrounding area were abandoned. To this day, no one knows for sure the ultimate fate of Glacier’s giant bear.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Vacationing Forest Service Style
The Ponderosa Pine serves as Montana’s state tree, and there’s no better way to discover these trees than with a visit to one of Montana’s many pristine forests. Forests are scattered throughout every region of Montana, offering plenty of outdoor recreation as well as a unique lodging option. Unbeknownst to many visitors, the U.S. Forest Service in Montana rents out cabins and lookout stations for a nominal fee. These cabins are available throughout the Treasure State, but one of the most popular rests southwest of Bozeman in the Gallatin Canyon.
Garnet Mountain Lookout Station provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Gallatin Range, Spanish Peaks, and other distant mountains and forests. The lookout cabin is available year-round and can accommodate up to four people for just $30.00 per night. Reservations are recommended well in advance (as Montana residents are very aware of the Forest Service’s best-kept secret)!
To access the cabin during summer, travel south on Highway 191 to the Squaw Creek Road. The cabin lies 3.5 miles up the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail, and guests must hike or bike to the cabin. During winter, visitors should park near the Squaw Creek Ranger Station and snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe 10 miles to the cabin via the Squaw Creek and Rat Lake Roads. Avalanches plague the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail, so visitors are highly discouraged from taking this path to the cabin during winter.
In general, permits for all of Montana’s Forest Service cabins are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors must limit their stay to 14 days or less. Permits, as well as maps and access directions, are available from the Ranger District governing the area where the cabin of your choice is located. Visitors should keep in mind that these cabins are primitive and are generally equipped with a table, chairs, bunk beds, and a wood stove. Guests must bring their own bedding and should be prepared to treat their water from outside sources. Electricity is generally not available, and at times, guests may have to cut their own firewood.
Although the cabins certainly are not a four-star retreat, they do offer a unique means of experiencing Montana’s beautiful outdoors year-round. On your next trip to Montana, consider taking a step up from tent camping with a Forest Service style vacation!
Garnet Mountain Lookout Station provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Gallatin Range, Spanish Peaks, and other distant mountains and forests. The lookout cabin is available year-round and can accommodate up to four people for just $30.00 per night. Reservations are recommended well in advance (as Montana residents are very aware of the Forest Service’s best-kept secret)!
To access the cabin during summer, travel south on Highway 191 to the Squaw Creek Road. The cabin lies 3.5 miles up the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail, and guests must hike or bike to the cabin. During winter, visitors should park near the Squaw Creek Ranger Station and snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe 10 miles to the cabin via the Squaw Creek and Rat Lake Roads. Avalanches plague the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail, so visitors are highly discouraged from taking this path to the cabin during winter.
In general, permits for all of Montana’s Forest Service cabins are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors must limit their stay to 14 days or less. Permits, as well as maps and access directions, are available from the Ranger District governing the area where the cabin of your choice is located. Visitors should keep in mind that these cabins are primitive and are generally equipped with a table, chairs, bunk beds, and a wood stove. Guests must bring their own bedding and should be prepared to treat their water from outside sources. Electricity is generally not available, and at times, guests may have to cut their own firewood.
Although the cabins certainly are not a four-star retreat, they do offer a unique means of experiencing Montana’s beautiful outdoors year-round. On your next trip to Montana, consider taking a step up from tent camping with a Forest Service style vacation!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Montana Ballet: Mixing Athleticism with Art
Although not traditionally considered a sport, ballet does require a certain sense of athleticism from its top performers. Stamina, hard work, energy, training, and all the other skills associated with today’s most popular sports are necessary components in presenting a graceful and artistic ballet performance. Despite its distance from major ballet centers and a reluctant first acceptance, Montana is now home to a thriving ballet scene.
In the late 70s and early 80s, ballet wasnt taken very seriously in Montana. Ann Bates, Artistic Director of Montana Ballet, appealed to state legislators for a portion of the state coal-tax arts money to no avail. She finally persuaded Rep. Francis Bardanouve that it was unfair to ignore dance while supporting other arts and athletics. Lawmakers subsequently awarded her a $10,000 grant. She sent the venerable Bardanouve a tutu which he gamely wore on his head.
Today Montana Ballet is the only small dance company in the rural west with big company goals: 1) To educate the youth of the Gallatin Valley in dance at the professional level; 2) To present a season of international dance companies, world-known ballet stars, and local talent of amazingly high caliber; and 3) To offer a variety of outreach opportunities to schools as far as 100 miles away from Bozeman. Comments about productions reflect astonishment that the Bozeman area could be the home to a ballet company equal to comparable companies in much larger communities.
The motivation for this excellence stems from the pride Montana Ballet staff and Board of Directors take in making art that surprises and delights. Visiting companies for each Fall’s international performance have included Woofa from New Guinea, Tangokinesis from Buenos Aires, Jose Greco from Madrid, and the Dance Masters of Bali. The full season of Montana Ballet Company’s performances also includes the much-anticipated and usually sold-out holiday Nutcracker extravaganza presented the first weekend of every December, coinciding with Bozeman’s Christmas Stroll. Another favorite of the community is the New York Connection production presented as part of the two-week New York Connection workshop offered each August in association with Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture. Professional dance teachers offer classes in a variety of subjects and join the dancers in the two culminating productions performing works by Balanchine as well as classical repertoire. More information about Montana Ballet Company and its affiliate, the privately owned Montana Ballet School, is available at www.montanaballet.com.
Partially reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas & Travel Encyclopedia”
In the late 70s and early 80s, ballet wasnt taken very seriously in Montana. Ann Bates, Artistic Director of Montana Ballet, appealed to state legislators for a portion of the state coal-tax arts money to no avail. She finally persuaded Rep. Francis Bardanouve that it was unfair to ignore dance while supporting other arts and athletics. Lawmakers subsequently awarded her a $10,000 grant. She sent the venerable Bardanouve a tutu which he gamely wore on his head.
Today Montana Ballet is the only small dance company in the rural west with big company goals: 1) To educate the youth of the Gallatin Valley in dance at the professional level; 2) To present a season of international dance companies, world-known ballet stars, and local talent of amazingly high caliber; and 3) To offer a variety of outreach opportunities to schools as far as 100 miles away from Bozeman. Comments about productions reflect astonishment that the Bozeman area could be the home to a ballet company equal to comparable companies in much larger communities.
The motivation for this excellence stems from the pride Montana Ballet staff and Board of Directors take in making art that surprises and delights. Visiting companies for each Fall’s international performance have included Woofa from New Guinea, Tangokinesis from Buenos Aires, Jose Greco from Madrid, and the Dance Masters of Bali. The full season of Montana Ballet Company’s performances also includes the much-anticipated and usually sold-out holiday Nutcracker extravaganza presented the first weekend of every December, coinciding with Bozeman’s Christmas Stroll. Another favorite of the community is the New York Connection production presented as part of the two-week New York Connection workshop offered each August in association with Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture. Professional dance teachers offer classes in a variety of subjects and join the dancers in the two culminating productions performing works by Balanchine as well as classical repertoire. More information about Montana Ballet Company and its affiliate, the privately owned Montana Ballet School, is available at www.montanaballet.com.
Partially reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas & Travel Encyclopedia”
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
U.S. High Altitude Sports Center
Butte. (406) 494-7570
When you first exit the Homestake Pass driving west into Butte, one of the first things you see is a large oval track. This track has been the training ground for several Olympic speedskating champions, including Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen. The outdoor speed skating facility was completed in 1987 and has been the venue for several national and world speedskating competitions. In 1994, the Women’s World Championship was held here. The World Cup Competition has been held here on six different occasions. What makes the Center unique is its altitude. At a 5,500 foot elevation, it is a premier training facility providing athletes from around the world a chance to build stamina through exercise programs tailored for varying competitions.
Reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas & Travel Encyclopedia”
When you first exit the Homestake Pass driving west into Butte, one of the first things you see is a large oval track. This track has been the training ground for several Olympic speedskating champions, including Bonnie Blair and Dan Jansen. The outdoor speed skating facility was completed in 1987 and has been the venue for several national and world speedskating competitions. In 1994, the Women’s World Championship was held here. The World Cup Competition has been held here on six different occasions. What makes the Center unique is its altitude. At a 5,500 foot elevation, it is a premier training facility providing athletes from around the world a chance to build stamina through exercise programs tailored for varying competitions.
Reprinted from “The Ultimate Montana Atlas & Travel Encyclopedia”
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Reading the Rockies
Can’t visit the Rocky Mountain Region in person? Then travel there from a distance by “Reading the Rockies.” The Ultimate Montana online bookstore provides readers with books on nearly every possible subject relating to the Northern Rockies. From books highlighting the region’s best fishing spots and hiking trails to great fiction reads set in the beauty of the West, the Ultimate Montana bookstore carries something for everyone who is interested in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Yellowstone, or Glacier National Park. In addition, the bookstore carries approximately thirty magazines ranging from skiing to the Western lifestyle - all waiting your discovery. Read the Rockies today with a visit to the Ultimate Montana bookstore!
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