National Register Listing

Fromberg Opera House

a.k.a. American Legion Hall

Jct. of Harley Ave. and C St., Fromberg, MT
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Montana was the first state to elect a woman to Congress, Jeannette Rankin, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916. She was a pacifist and voted against the entry of the United States into both World War I and World War II.
Montana random facts
Carbon County, located in the southwestern part of Montana, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Crow, Sioux, and Shoshone, who utilized the area's abundant resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

In the mid-1800s, fur traders and explorers ventured into the Carbon County area, establishing trading posts and forts. The arrival of settlers and the discovery of gold and silver in the nearby mountains brought a significant influx of prospectors and miners seeking their fortune. This led to the establishment of several mining camps and towns, such as Red Lodge, Bearcreek, and Fromberg, which played vital roles in the county's early development.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the mining industry thrived in Carbon County, attracting large numbers of immigrants from Europe and other parts of the United States. The towns grew rapidly, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of coal mines providing economic stability and employment opportunities for the burgeoning population.

However, the boom eventually faded, and the mining industry declined in the mid-20th century. Carbon County shifted its focus to agriculture, ranching, and tourism to sustain its economy. Today, the county is known for its picturesque landscapes, recreational opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, attracting visitors from around the world.

Overall, the history of Carbon County reflects the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have continuously embraced change and altered their way of life to suit the evolving needs of the region.

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

  • 1865 - Carbon County established as an original county of the Montana Territory.
  • 1877 - Coal mining begins in the area, leading to rapid population growth.
  • 1881 - Red Lodge becomes the county seat.
  • 1883 - Carbon County becomes a part of the newly formed state of Montana.
  • 1892 - Carbon County Sheriff Henry Plummer is hanged by vigilantes in Red Lodge.
  • 1898 - The town of Bearcreek is established as a coal mining town.
  • 1912 - The Montana State Board of Health declares Red Lodge a "Model Health City".
  • 1917 - The Smith Mine disaster in Bearcreek claims the lives of 74 miners.
  • 1961 - Carbon County Airport opens in Bridger, providing air transportation for the region.
  • 1974 - Carbon County becomes a destination for tourists seeking outdoor recreation.
  • 2008 - Stillwater Mining Company opens a new palladium and platinum mine near Nye.