National Register Listing

Virgelle Mercantile and Virgelle State Bank

Co. Rd. 430, approximately 6.3 mi. S of US 87, Virgelle, MT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Commerce; Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Montana was the first state to elect a woman to Congress, Jeannette Rankin, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916. She was a pacifist and voted against the entry of the United States into both World War I and World War II.
Montana random facts
Chouteau County, located in the state of Montana, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area has long been inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Blackfeet and Assiniboine tribes. These tribes lived off the land, utilizing the abundant wildlife and resources of the area.

In the early 19th century, European explorers, such as the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, made their way through what is now Chouteau County. Their exploration marked the beginning of westward expansion as settlers began trickling into the area.

The establishment of Fort Benton in the mid-19th century played a pivotal role in the county's history. It served as a hub for trade and transportation along the Missouri River, becoming one of the most significant frontier settlements. The arrival of the steamboat further facilitated commerce and communication with the outside world.

As more settlers arrived in Chouteau County, farming and ranching became prominent industries. The county's fertile soil and ample grazing land proved to be ideal for agriculture. Crops such as wheat, barley, and oats were grown, while cattle and sheep were raised.

Over the years, Chouteau County has faced various challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. However, the resilient spirit of its people has allowed the county to adapt and thrive. Today, Chouteau County remains a largely rural and agricultural region, with a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for its storied past.

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

  • 1864: Chouteau County was created by the Montana Territorial Legislature.
  • 1865: Fort Benton became the county seat of Chouteau County.
  • 1869: The first ranches were established in the county.
  • 1870: The first irrigation ditches were built in the Sun River Valley.
  • 1871: The first steamboat arrived at Fort Benton, boosting trade and transportation.
  • 1884: The Montana Central Railway reached Fort Benton, improving transportation further.
  • 1885: Chouteau County experienced a significant population growth due to railroad development.
  • 1909: The county's first newspaper, the Chouteau County Democrat, was established.
  • 1930s: Chouteau County was severely affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
  • 2019: Chouteau County remains a predominantly rural area with a focus on farming and agriculture.