Historical Markers in
Fergus County, Montana

⚜︎ Kendall and K Bar M ⚜︎ 108 Hawthorne Avenue 240 mm Howitzer M1 521 West Main A Fine Day for a Sail Abraham and Mary Walton Hogeland House All Purpose Shop Armament Building Attix Clinic Bank of Fergus County Bombsite Storage Building Bon-Ton Camouflage Building Camp Cooke Carnegie Library Claggett Hill Trail Courthouse Historic District Crew Chief Building Fort Maginnis Hangar Hopkins Grocery Knerr-Tubb Block / Armory Hall Lehman Bunkhouse Lewiston Satellite Airfield Historic District Lewistown Lewistown Army Airfield Lewistown Mercantile Company Lewistown Silk Stocking Historic District LGM-30A Minuteman I Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) McDonald and Charters Block Montana Building Operations and Alert Building Phillips Drug Company Power Mercantile Building Pre-War Hangar Quartermaster Warehouses Recreation Building Reed and Bowles Stockade Trading Post Saint Leo's Catholic Church Statue of Liberty The History of Central Montana Railroads The Hub The Judith Basin Country The Judith Landing The Mighty Missouri - Lifeblood of the Plains The Nez Perce Conflict of 1877 The Queen of the Judith Basin Thompson-Lewis House Training Building US Land Office / Warr Building Viet Nam Service Appreciation Memorial Warr Building Warr-Lane Building Wiedeman Apartments
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Montana random facts
Fergus County, Montana has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes. However, the first recorded European presence in the area came in the early 1800s, when fur traders and explorers such as the Lewis and Clark expedition began to explore the region.

In 1864, Fergus County was officially established and named after James Fergus, a Montana pioneer and politician. The area experienced rapid growth during the late 1800s, fueled by the discovery of gold in the nearby Judith Mountains. The resulting gold rush attracted thousands of prospectors and settlers to the area, leading to the creation of towns like Lewistown, the current county seat.

During this time, cattle ranching also became a prominent industry in Fergus County. Large ranches were established throughout the county, and cattle drives became a common sight on the open range. The town of Lewistown became a bustling hub for ranchers and served as a center for trade and commerce.

In the 20th century, Fergus County continued to develop and grow. The construction of railways in the early 1900s greatly improved transportation and opened up new opportunities for the county. Today, Fergus County remains an important agricultural center, with ranching and farming still playing a significant role in its economy. The county also attracts visitors with its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich historical heritage.

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

  • 1833 - The first known exploration of Fergus County by trapper and explorer François Antoine Larocque.
  • 1864 - Gold discovered in the area, leading to a significant influx of miners and settlers.
  • 1885 - Fergus County officially established as a county in the Montana Territory.
  • 1886 - The city of Lewistown is named county seat of Fergus County.
  • 1887 - The first courthouse in Fergus County is completed.
  • 1900 - The population of Fergus County reaches over 10,000.
  • 1913 - The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, later renamed Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, a multi-purpose arena, is opened on the Montana State University campus.
  • 1914 - The Great Northern Railway reaches Lewistown, bringing increased economic opportunities for Fergus County.
  • 1929 - The stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression impact the economy of Fergus County.
  • 1935 - The Civilian Conservation Corps establishes Camp Lewistown, providing employment and environmental conservation efforts during the Great Depression.
  • 1941-1945 - Fergus County residents serve in World War II, contributing to the war effort.
  • 1957 - The Lewistown Municipal Airport is constructed, improving access to and from Fergus County.
  • 1995 - The Judith River Dinosaur Institute is established in Fergus County, attracting paleontologists and researchers from around the world.
  • 2010 - The population of Fergus County is around 11,586.