Big Horn County, Montana

1984 Archeological Survey 412 North Custer Bear Paw Memorial Bear Paw Monument Big Horn County Courthouse Big Horn County Library Bozeman Trail Crossing Buffalo Country Burlington Northern Depot Calhoun Hill Calhoun Hill Captain Ball's Scout Captain Grant Marsh Charles S. Eder House Cheyenne Warrior Markers Chief Plenty Coups Companies C & E Companies F and I Crow's Nest Custer Last Seen Custer’s Advance Deep Coulee Deep Ravine Deep Ravine Fort Custer Francis Kopriva House Garryowen Garryowen, Montana - Sitting Bull’s Camp General Crook's Troops Greasy Grass Ridge Hardin Commercial Historic District Hay-Corral Battle Here We Remember the Fallen Hotel Becker Indian Encampment Indian Memorial James Reid's Pool Hall Keogh – Crazy Horse Fight Lame White Man Charge Last Stand Hill, June 25, 1876 Lee Building Little Bighorn Battlefield Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument Little Bighorn Indian Memorial Lone Tipi Medicine Tail Coulee Medicine Tail Coulee Ford Medicine Tail Ford Memorial Markers Montana's 1964 Territorial Centennial Train National Cemetery Peace Through Unity Reno's Skirmish Line - Warrior Counterattack Reno’s Retreat Reno’s Valley Fight Retreat Crossing Rosebud Battlefield Schneider Harness and Confectionary Seventh Cavalry Horse Cemetery Sharpshooter Ridge St. Joseph's Catholic Church St. Xavier Mission T.E. Gay Building The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad The Land Speaks The Reno-Benteen Defense The Time When The People Fought The Soldiers. The Way They Saw It Timber Fight Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Two Moons Weir Point Weir Point Fight What Is This Land Worth? Wooden Leg Hill
Located in the southern part of the state, Big Horn County in Montana has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The land was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Crow and Shoshone people, who relied on the area's natural resources for their sustenance and way of life. European settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s, with the establishment of the Montana Territory in 1864.

The discovery of gold in the 1860s brought an influx of miners to the area, leading to the establishment of several mining camps and towns. However, it was the railroad that truly transformed the county, providing a vital transportation link and facilitating trade and development. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad through Big Horn County in 1882 further accelerated the region's growth and brought new opportunities.

Agriculture played a significant role in the county's development, with large-scale farming and ranching becoming prevalent. Cattle ranching, in particular, thrived in the vast grasslands of Big Horn County, contributing to the local economy and way of life. The town of Hardin emerged as a key commercial and administrative center, serving as the county seat and providing essential services to the surrounding rural communities.

Over the years, Big Horn County has faced its share of challenges and transformations. The decline of mining and changes in agricultural practices have led to shifts in the local economy. Nevertheless, the county remains a resilient and vibrant community, with a thriving tourism industry focused on its natural beauty and cultural heritage. From its Native American roots to the bustling settlements of the late 19th century, Big Horn County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants.
Brief timeline of the history of Big Horn County, Montana:

  • 1865: The area that would later become Big Horn County is explored by Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
  • 1851: The Fort Laramie Treaty is signed, establishing Native American reservation lands in the area.
  • 1871: The first settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1886: Big Horn County is officially established.
  • 1907: The town of Hardin is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1910: The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad reaches Hardin, stimulating growth and development in the county.
  • 1930s: During the Great Depression, the Fort Custer Army Air Base is established near Hardin, bringing economic opportunities to the county.
  • 1962: The Yellowtail Dam is completed on the Bighorn River, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power to the area.
  • 2009: The Big Horn County Historical Museum is opened, showcasing the county's rich history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Big Horn County, Montana.