Lewis and Clark Bridge
a.k.a. Wolf Point Bridge;Missouri River Bridge;Site No. 24RV438
Over the Missouri R., MT 13, Wolf Point, MT Local significance of the structure: Transportation; Engineering
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- 1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
- 1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
- 1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
- 1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
- 1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.
About National Register Listings
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.
The town of Virginia City, Montana, was a major center of gold mining during the late 19th century. At its peak in the 1870s, the town had a population of over 10,000 and was the territorial capital of Montana. Today, Virginia City is a popular tourist destination and has been preserved as a living ghost town.
About McCone County
McCone County Timeline
McCone County, Montana, is located in the northeastern part of the state and was established in 1919. It was named after State Senator George McCone, who played a key role in the county's formation. Prior to its establishment, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Assiniboine, and Gros Ventre.
The early settlers in McCone County were predominantly ranchers, drawn to the area by the vast grasslands and fertile soil. The Yellowstone River, which flows through the county, provided a vital water source for these settlers and supported their agricultural activities. In the late 19th century, the construction of railroads further facilitated the growth and development of the county, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening up new market opportunities.
During the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in the region had a significant impact on McCone County's economy. The oil industry attracted workers and businesses, leading to a population boom in the county. However, fluctuations in oil prices and production levels throughout the years have caused both periods of prosperity and economic downturns for McCone County.
Today, McCone County remains primarily rural, with agriculture and energy extraction as its main industries. Cattle ranching and farming are vital to the local economy, and the county is also home to coal mines and natural gas wells. The county's beautiful landscapes, including the expansive prairies and the picturesque Fort Peck Reservoir, continue to attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. As a close-knit community, McCone County holds various events and festivals throughout the year to celebrate its rich history and culture.
The early settlers in McCone County were predominantly ranchers, drawn to the area by the vast grasslands and fertile soil. The Yellowstone River, which flows through the county, provided a vital water source for these settlers and supported their agricultural activities. In the late 19th century, the construction of railroads further facilitated the growth and development of the county, allowing for easier transportation of goods and opening up new market opportunities.
During the early 20th century, the discovery of oil in the region had a significant impact on McCone County's economy. The oil industry attracted workers and businesses, leading to a population boom in the county. However, fluctuations in oil prices and production levels throughout the years have caused both periods of prosperity and economic downturns for McCone County.
Today, McCone County remains primarily rural, with agriculture and energy extraction as its main industries. Cattle ranching and farming are vital to the local economy, and the county is also home to coal mines and natural gas wells. The county's beautiful landscapes, including the expansive prairies and the picturesque Fort Peck Reservoir, continue to attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. As a close-knit community, McCone County holds various events and festivals throughout the year to celebrate its rich history and culture.
McCone County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of McCone County, Montana.
- 1914 - McCone County is established on February 26.
- 1915 - The town of Circle is founded as the county seat.
- 1920 - The population of McCone County reaches over 4,000 residents.
- 1929 - The Great Depression begins, leading to economic challenges in the county.
- 1930 - The population decreases to around 3,500 due to the hardships of the Great Depression.
- 1951 - The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is established in McCone County.
- 1970 - The population declines to around 2,000 as agriculture becomes more mechanized.
- 1984 - The Fort Peck Reservoir becomes a popular recreation spot in the county.
- 1993 - The population stabilizes at around 1,800 residents.