National Register Listing

Valier Public School

a.k.a. Old School House

820 3rd St., Valier, MT
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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.

architecture education
Audiobooks about the history of Montana.
Montana played a significant role in the development of atomic energy during World War II and the Cold War. The Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb, had several facilities in Montana, including the Anaconda Copper Company, which supplied uranium ore for the project.
Montana random facts
Pondera County, Montana is located in the north-central part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Blackfeet and Nez Perce. However, the arrival of white settlers in the mid-1800s brought about significant changes.

In the late 1800s, Pondera County witnessed a boom in ranching and agriculture. The fertile land and abundance of water sources made it an ideal location for cattle ranching and farming. Many homesteaders flocked to the area, hoping to start a new life and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the expanding agricultural industry.

The county's development was further boosted by the arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900s. The railway provided crucial transportation links and allowed for the efficient movement of goods and people in and out of the region. The town of Conrad, which became the county seat, experienced rapid growth as a result of the railway's presence.

Since its early development, Pondera County has faced numerous challenges and changes. The economy has shifted over the years, with agriculture remaining a significant industry but with increased diversification into oil and gas exploration. The county has also experienced population fluctuations, with periods of growth and decline.

Overall, Pondera County's history is deeply intertwined with the growth of agriculture in the region, the development of transportation infrastructure, and the ongoing adaptation to changing economic and demographic trends. Today, the county stands as a testament to the resilience and perseverance of its inhabitants throughout the years.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Pondera County, Montana.

  • 1805 - Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through the area
  • 1867 - Gold discovered in the area, leading to a small gold rush
  • 1893 - Pondera County officially established
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture becomes the main economic activity, with the growth of ranching and farming
  • 1923 - Conrad, the county seat, is incorporated
  • 1930s - The Great Depression affects the county, causing economic hardships
  • 1964 - Swift Dam fails, resulting in a devastating flood that causes extensive damage in Pondera County
  • 1980s - Decline in agriculture and rise of other industries, such as tourism and manufacturing
  • 2010 - Pondera County experiences a population growth, partially due to its proximity to recreational activities and natural attractions