Sheep Creek Bridge
a.k.a. 24LC1157/MDT Identification No. L25003005+02001
Milepost 5 on Recreation Rd., Wolf Creek, MT Local significance of the structure:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
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.
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.
The area that is now Lewis and Clark County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet, Salish, and Shoshone. The Lewis and Clark Expedition explored the region in 1805, documenting the natural resources and mapping the area. This initial contact with the explorers paved the way for later Euro-American settlement.
In the 1860s, gold was discovered in the Last Chance Gulch, which is now the city of Helena, the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. This led to a mining boom, attracting settlers and prospectors from all over. Helena quickly became a bustling city and the territorial capital of Montana. The gold rush also brought conflicts with Native American tribes, leading to tensions and occasional clashes.
As Helena grew, so did the county. It became an important center for commerce, government, and culture in the region. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, railroads were built, enhancing connectivity and stimulating the economy. The county experienced both economic ups and downs, facing challenges such as floods and fires, but continued to thrive.
Today, Lewis and Clark County is a diverse and vibrant community. It is home to a mix of urban and rural areas, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, skiing, and exploring the nearby national forests. The county also has important historical sites and landmarks that celebrate its past, including the Montana State Capitol building, which is located in Helena.
Lewis And Clark County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lewis And Clark County, Montana.
- 1805 - Lewis and Clark explore the region during their expedition
- 1843 - Fur traders establish the first permanent settlement in the area
- 1864 - Lewis and Clark County is officially established
- 1875 - Helena becomes the county seat
- 1883 - Construction of the state capitol building begins in Helena
- 1919 - Construction of the Cathedral of Saint Helena is completed
- 1974 - Helena Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- 1991 - The Great Northern Carousel, a popular attraction, opens in Helena