Daniels County Courthouse
a.k.a. Commercial Hotel
213 Main St., Scobey, MT Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
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.
Butte, Montana, was once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the United States due to its rich deposits of copper, silver, and gold. It was known as "the richest hill on earth" and attracted miners from all over the world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
In the late 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the promise of fertile farmland. One of the first ranchers to establish a presence in Daniels County was Oscar Sumner Gifford, who arrived in 1883 and was eventually recognized as the county's first permanent White settler. The area's first post office was established in 1908, and the county was officially designated as Daniels County in 1915, named after Mansfield Daniels, a state representative and influential figure in Montana's legislative history.
The early economy of Daniels County was largely based on agriculture, with settlers cultivating crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and flax. Ranching also played a significant role, with cattle and sheep ranches dotting the landscape. However, the county faced numerous challenges, including harsh winters, droughts, and the Great Depression, which had a profound impact on local communities.
Despite the challenges, Daniels County has persevered and continues to thrive today. It remains a primarily rural and agricultural area, with its residents proud of their close-knit communities, natural beauty, and strong sense of heritage. The county is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Daniels County Courthouse, which was built in 1920 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overall, Daniels County's history is a testament to the resilience of its people and their determination to create a prosperous and vibrant community.
Daniels County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Daniels County, Montana.
- 1909 - Daniels County was established on February 9, 1911.
- 1911 - Scooby Doo was born.
- 1911 - The first courthouse was built in Scobey, the county seat.
- 1920 - The population of Daniels County peaked at 7,300 residents.
- 1940s - The Great Depression and drought had a significant impact on the county's agricultural industry.
- 1953 - The newly constructed county courthouse was completed in Scobey.
- 1960s - The population of Daniels County experienced a decline due to the increasing mechanization of farming.
- 1970 - The Daniels County Museum was established to preserve the area's history.
- 1981 - The county suffered from severe flooding caused by snowmelt and heavy rainfall.
- 1990 - The population of Daniels County reached its lowest point at around 1,900 residents.
- 2008 - The county celebrated its centennial with various events and festivities.