National Register Listing

Union League of America Hall

a.k.a. Diamond Lodge No.5(also No.1) of the Indenpendent Order of G

Crawford St. at Central Ave. S, White Sulphur Springs, MT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Montana.
In the early 20th century, Montana was a center of activity for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a radical labor organization that advocated for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a worker-controlled society. The state was the site of several major strikes and labor conflicts during this time, including the Anaconda Road Massacre of 1920, in which striking miners were killed by National Guard troops.
Montana random facts
Meagher County, Montana, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Crow and Blackfeet. These tribes hunted and fished in the region's rivers and valleys, leaving traces of their presence in the form of petroglyphs and other archaeological sites.

In the mid-1800s, the area that would become Meagher County saw an influx of miners seeking gold in the nearby mountains. The discovery of gold in 1864 led to a boom in mining activity, with several settlements sprouting up to support the mining operations. One of these settlements, originally named Diamond City, would later become the county seat of Meagher County. The mining era was short-lived, however, as the gold deposits quickly dwindled, leading to a decline in population and economic activity.

After the decline of mining, agriculture began to take hold in Meagher County. Homesteaders arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s, establishing ranches and farms in the fertile valleys. Cattle and sheep ranching became important industries, and the county saw a period of steady growth and prosperity. However, like many rural areas in the United States, Meagher County experienced challenges such as droughts, economic fluctuations, and the effects of the Great Depression.

Throughout its history, Meagher County has been known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located in the heart of Montana's Big Belt Mountains and bordered by the Lewis and Clark National Forest, the county is a popular destination for hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Today, Meagher County continues to be a rural and close-knit community, with a focus on preserving its historic heritage and providing a high quality of life for its residents.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Meagher County, Montana.

  • 1867 – Meagher County is established on November 16, named after Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish nationalist leader.
  • 1880 – The first county courthouse is built in White Sulphur Springs, the county seat.
  • 1905 – The Great Northern Railway reaches Meagher County, connecting the area to larger markets.
  • 1920s – The county experiences a period of significant growth in agriculture, particularly with the production of wheat and malt barley.
  • 1940s – The development of highway infrastructure improves connectivity and transportation in Meagher County.
  • 1975 – The Smith River is designated as a State Scenic River, preserving its natural beauty and recreational value.
  • 2010s – Meagher County becomes a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.