Fort Belknap Roll of Honor

Phillips County, Montana, is located in the northern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was once home to Native American tribes such as the Blackfeet, Assiniboine, and Gros Ventre. These tribes thrived off the land, hunting buffalo and other game, and living in harmony with the environment.

European exploration of the area began in the early 1800s, with fur traders and explorers venturing into the region. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area in 1805, opening up the area for further exploration and settlement. In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold in nearby areas brought an influx of miners and prospectors to the region, including Phillips County.

Phillips County was officially established on February 5, 1915, and was named after Benjamin D. Phillips, an early pioneer and Montana senator. The county was primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching being the main economic activities. Wheat, barley, and livestock were the primary sources of income for many residents. Small towns and communities began to develop, serving as centers for commerce and socialization.

Over the years, Phillips County has experienced both economic growth and decline. The Great Depression brought hardships to the region, but the development of irrigation projects in the mid-1900s helped to boost the agricultural industry. Today, Phillips County continues to be a rural area with a small population, but it remains an important part of Montana's history and landscape.