National Register Listing

Emerson School

111 S. Grand Ave., Bozeman, MT
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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.

education architecture
The state of Montana was once home to a massive inland sea that covered much of North America around 80 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.
Montana random facts
Gallatin County, Montana is located in the southwestern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Crow, Blackfeet, and Shoshone, who hunted and fished in the region. They lived off the land and had a deep connection to the natural resources of the area.

In the early 1800s, European explorers and fur trappers ventured into the Gallatin Valley. John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is believed to be the first recorded white explorer in the area. Trappers and traders like John Bozeman and Jim Bridger also made their way through the valley, establishing trading posts and creating trails.

The discovery of gold in the nearby Alder Gulch in 1863 brought a wave of settlers to Gallatin County. Bozeman, named after John Bozeman, became a central hub for gold miners and prospectors. The establishment of Fort Ellis near Bozeman during the Indian Wars further contributed to the growth of the area and provided protection for settlers.

As more settlers arrived, Gallatin County was officially established in 1865. The county was named after Albert Gallatin, a prominent statesman and former Secretary of the Treasury. Agriculture became a major industry in the area, with the fertile soil and abundant water sources supporting the growth of crops and livestock.

Today, Gallatin County is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin National Forest. It has also become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a thriving economy, driven by industries such as tourism, agriculture, and technology.

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

  • 1805: The Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through the area that will become Gallatin County.
  • 1864: Gallatin County is established by the territorial legislature of Montana.
  • 1871: The city of Bozeman is founded as the county seat of Gallatin County.
  • 1883: The Northern Pacific Railway reaches Bozeman, spurring economic growth in the area.
  • 1910: The Montana State University is established in Bozeman.
  • 1960s: Gallatin County experiences a population boom due to its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • 2008: The term "Gallatin Valley" is officially recognized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to describe the region.