National Register Listing

Gardiner Jail

2nd St., Gardiner, MT
Local significance of the building:
Social History; Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

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.

social history architecture politics government jails and prisons
The Great Northern Railway, which connected St. Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington, passed through Montana and played a major role in the development of the state's economy. The railway brought settlers and goods to Montana and facilitated the transportation of copper, wheat, and other commodities to markets around the country.
Montana random facts
Park County, Montana, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Crow, Shoshone, and Blackfeet. These tribes relied on the area's abundant wildlife, rivers, and forests for sustenance and trade.

Exploration of Park County began in the early 1800s with the arrival of fur trappers and explorers. In 1806, the famous Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the region, leaving its mark on local history. The discovery of gold in the mid-1800s brought a wave of settlers to the area, leading to the establishment of several mining towns, including Cooke City and Emigrant.

The late 19th century saw the growth of agriculture and ranching in Park County. The fertile land and favorable climate attracted settlers who turned the area into a hub for cattle and sheep ranching. Ranching and agriculture remain important industries in the county to this day.

Park County is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. With the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, a small portion of the county became part of the world's first national park. This designation brought increased tourism and economic opportunities to the area.

Today, Park County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that cherishes its history and natural beauty. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore Yellowstone National Park, engage in outdoor adventures, and experience the warm hospitality of its residents.

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

  • 1806 - The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through what is now Park County.
  • 1870s - The area's first permanent settlements are established, including Livingston.
  • 1882 - Park County is officially established.
  • 1883 - The Northern Pacific Railroad reaches Livingston, leading to increased growth and development in the county.
  • 1886 - The well-known Yellowstone National Park is established, becoming a major tourist destination in the county.
  • 1920s - The mining industry booms in Park County, attracting many people to the area.
  • 1970s - The county becomes a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
  • 1992 - The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks acquires Paradise Valley Wildlife Management Area in Park County.