Beaverhead County, Montana
Andrus Hotel
Bannack Historic District
Barrett Hospital
Barrett, Martin, House
Big Hole National Battlefield
Birch Creek CCC Camp
Browne's Bridge
Canyon Creek Charcoal Kilns
Canyon Resort Airways Beacon
Clark's Lookout, August 13, 1805
Dillon City Hall Historic District
Dillon City Library
Elkhorn-Coolidge Historic District
Hecla House
Henneberry, William F., Homestead
Hotel Metlen
Montana State Normal School
Oregon Short Line Passenger Depot
US Post Office-Dillon Main
Van Camp-Tash Ranch
A Perfect Place to Rest
A Soul-Searching Birthday
A Story of Fires... to be continued
A Tribute to Sidney Edgerton
Bannack
Bannack
Bannack
Bannack Historical District
Battlefield Landscape
Beaverhead County World War II Memorial
Beaverhead Rock
Beaver's Head Rock: Native Road Sign
Big Hole National Battlefield Monument
Big Hole Valley
Brave Warriors
City of Dillon City Hall
Clark Pocket Compass Monument
Dillon City Hall Historic District
Dillon Implement Company
Dillon's Founding
Distant Features
Fortunate Camp
Grasshopper Creek
Howdy Everyone! Glad to See You
Lewis and Clark Pathfinder Tribute
Mapping the Way
Medicine Tree
Natural Travel Corridor
Naturally Sustained Productivity
Nez Perce Camp
Old Trail to the Gold Diggin's
Reliable Landmarks
Sacajawea
Siege Site
Southern Gateway Marker
The Beginning of the "Endless Missouri"
The First Electric Gold Dredge
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Montana Road
The Montana-Utah Road
The Tendoy Mountains
The Way It Used To Be... Way Back
Undaunted Stewardship
Welcome to Hamilton Ranch
William Clark
"Hot Spring Valley"
"I now take my leave..."
"it was mutually advantageous..."
"Most Distant Fountain" of the Mighty Missouri
"The Carroll Ranch"
In the mid-19th century, gold was discovered along the Beaverhead River, leading to a rush of prospectors seeking their fortune. The settlement of Bannack quickly grew and became the first territorial capital of Montana in 1864. However, Bannack's glory days were short-lived, and Virginia City emerged as the new focal point of the area's mining activity. Virginia City became the capital in 1875 before ultimately losing the title to Helena in 1877.
During the late 19th century, ranching and agriculture began to flourish in Beaverhead County, thanks to its fertile land and abundant water sources. Cattle and sheep ranching became some of the primary economic activities in the region, with homesteaders and ranchers establishing themselves in the county. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the local economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and providing a crucial link between the county and the rest of Montana.
Today, Beaverhead County is known for its spectacular natural beauty, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast grasslands, and the iconic Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The county continues to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With a population that continues to grow steadily, Beaverhead County remains an important and thriving part of Montana's history and culture.
Brief timeline of the history of Beaverhead County, Montana:
- Before 1800: Beaverhead County is inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce.
- 1805: Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark explore the region as part of their expedition commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson.
- 1864: Beaverhead County is officially established by the Montana Territorial Legislature.
- 1862-1868: Gold is discovered in various areas of Beaverhead County, leading to a gold rush and the establishment of several mining towns.
- 1881: The Utah and Northern Railway reaches Beaverhead County, providing improved transportation and boosting the local economy.
- Late 1800s-early 1900s: Ranching becomes a significant industry in Beaverhead County, with cattle herds growing and agricultural activities expanding.
- 1930s: The Great Depression affects Beaverhead County, causing economic hardships and a decline in mining and agricultural activities.
- 1930-1970: Beaverhead County experiences a population decline due to economic factors and the impact of World War II.
- 1980s-present: Beaverhead County sees a resurgence in its economy, with a focus on tourism, outdoor recreation, and agriculture.
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Beaverhead County, Montana.