Chouteau County, Montana
Baker, I. G., House
Chouteau County Courthouse
Citadel Rock
Eagle Butte School
First National Bank of Geraldine
Fort Benton
Fort Benton Bridge
Fort Benton Engine House
Geraldine Milwaukee Depot
Grand Union Hotel
Lewis and Clark Camp at Slaughter River
Lonetree
Masonic Building
Shonkin Creek Bridge
Square Butte Jail
Square Butte School
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Virgelle Mercantile and Virgelle State Bank
West Quincy Granite Quarry
1806 Lewis' Return
A Montana Crossroads
An Island on the Plains
Bank of Northern Montana
Big Sandy
Bloodiest Block in the West
Buffalo Robe Fur Press
Camp Cooke
Choteau House
Chouteau County
Chouteau County Courthouse
Church of the Immaculate Conception
Coal Banks Landing
Coulson's Steamboat Offices
Cow Island Incident
Cow Island Trail
Culbertson House
Cummings Building
Davidson and Moffitt Harness Shop
Decision at the Marias
Decision Point
Decision Point
Drowning of the Governor
Exploring the North Fork
Fire! Fire!
First Fire Engine House
Fort Benton
Fort Benton
Fort Benton and the Indian Wars
Fort Benton and the Mullan Road
Fort Benton Bridge
Fort Benton Engine House
Fort Benton Historic District
Fort Benton Levee
Fort Benton – Fort MacLeod Trail
Fort Chardon
Fort LaBarge
Fort Piegan
Fort Walsh Trail
Fur Trade Posts
Grand Union Hotel
Grasshoppers in the River?
Great Northern Railway
H.J. Wackerlin Hardware Company
I.G. Baker Company
I.G. Baker Home
Judith Landing
June 6, 1908
Keelboat Mandan
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Lewis and Clark Trail
Marias River
Masonic Building
McGraw's Saloon
Most Progressive in Montana
Mullan Road
Mullan Wagon Road
Naturally Sustained Productivity
Nez Perce Fight
Nez Perce War
Old Fort Benton
Old Fort Benton Bridge
Old Fort Campbell
Open Range Cattle
Ophir
Pacific Hotel
Priming the Pump
Shep's Vigil
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Stage Lines
Steamboat Navigation
Steamboat Relics
Stockmen's National Bank
Stream Flow Monitoring
T.C. Power & Bro.
T.C. Power Building
T.C. Power Dry Goods Store
Tale of Two Treaties
The Anglos Are Coming
The Choteau House
The Engage's Quarters
The Judith River Formation
The Little Shell Chippewa
The Manitoba Railroad
The Montana Memorial
Thomas Francis Meager
Upriver Businesses
Victims of Blood Indians Massacre
Virgelle Mercantile
Virgelle State Bank
War Dogs Memorial
Welcome to the Mountain Ranges
Whoop Up Trail
Whoop-up Trail
"George Montgomery: Rider of the Purple Sage"
In the early 19th century, European explorers, such as the famed Lewis and Clark expedition, made their way through what is now Chouteau County. Their exploration marked the beginning of westward expansion as settlers began trickling into the area.
The establishment of Fort Benton in the mid-19th century played a pivotal role in the county's history. It served as a hub for trade and transportation along the Missouri River, becoming one of the most significant frontier settlements. The arrival of the steamboat further facilitated commerce and communication with the outside world.
As more settlers arrived in Chouteau County, farming and ranching became prominent industries. The county's fertile soil and ample grazing land proved to be ideal for agriculture. Crops such as wheat, barley, and oats were grown, while cattle and sheep were raised.
Over the years, Chouteau County has faced various challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters. However, the resilient spirit of its people has allowed the county to adapt and thrive. Today, Chouteau County remains a largely rural and agricultural region, with a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for its storied past.
Brief timeline of the history of Chouteau County, Montana:
- 1864: Chouteau County was created by the Montana Territorial Legislature.
- 1865: Fort Benton became the county seat of Chouteau County.
- 1869: The first ranches were established in the county.
- 1870: The first irrigation ditches were built in the Sun River Valley.
- 1871: The first steamboat arrived at Fort Benton, boosting trade and transportation.
- 1884: The Montana Central Railway reached Fort Benton, improving transportation further.
- 1885: Chouteau County experienced a significant population growth due to railroad development.
- 1909: The county's first newspaper, the Chouteau County Democrat, was established.
- 1930s: Chouteau County was severely affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.
- 2019: Chouteau County remains a predominantly rural area with a focus on farming and agriculture.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Chouteau County, Montana.