National Register Listing

St. Benedict's Catholic School

a.k.a. Musselshell Valley Historical Museum

524 First St., W, Roundup, MT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

education
Audiobooks about the history of Montana.
Montana was the last state to raise its legal drinking age to 21, doing so in 1987 after a federal law was passed that required all states to have a minimum drinking age of 21 or risk losing federal highway funding.
Montana random facts
Musselshell County is located in the state of Montana and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The land that is now Musselshell County was once the territory of Native American tribes, particularly the Sioux and Crow tribes. The area was primarily used for hunting and gathering by these tribes.

In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold and other valuable minerals led to a surge in settlement in Musselshell County. Miners flocked to the area, establishing numerous mining camps and towns. The town of Roundup, which would later become the county seat, was founded in 1908 as a result of the mining boom. The extraction of coal and other minerals further contributed to the economic growth of the county.

Musselshell County played a significant role in the development of the railroad system in Montana. The Montana railroad, Northern Pacific, and Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul railways all had routes passing through the county. The construction of the railroads enabled the transportation of goods and people, stimulating trade and commerce in the area.

Agriculture has also played a crucial part in the history of Musselshell County. The fertile plains and ample water supply made the county favorable for farming and ranching. Many settlers turned to agriculture, primarily raising cattle and cultivating crops such as wheat and barley. The agricultural industry continues to be a vital part of the county's economy.

Today, Musselshell County is a mix of small towns, ranches, and farmland. The county continues to embrace its natural resources, and outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking are popular among residents and visitors. The rich and varied history of Musselshell County is still evident in the preserved historical sites and landmarks throughout the area.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Musselshell County, Montana.

  • 1911 - Musselshell County is established on February 6th
  • 1912 - The county seat is designated in Roundup
  • 1913 - The first courthouse in the county is built
  • 1923 - The county's population reaches its peak with over 6,500 residents
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts the county's economy
  • 1940s - Musselshell County experiences a decline in population due to WWII
  • 1950s - The county's agriculture industry becomes more mechanized
  • 1970s - The county's population decreases further due to economic changes
  • 1991 - The Musselshell Valley Historical Museum opens in Roundup
  • 2000s - The county's economy diversifies with increased oil and gas extraction