Valley County, Montana
Administration Building
Employee's Hotel and Garage
First National Bank of Glasgow
Fort Peck Dam
Fort Peck Original Houses Historic District
Fort Peck Theatre
Garage and Fire Station
Glasgow Army Airfield Norden Bombsight Storage Vault
Hospital
Recreation Hall
Rundle Building
Sargent, Charles C., House
School
US Post Office and Courthouse-Glasgow Main
Boomtowns on the Outskirts
Built with Muscle and Muck
Diverting the Mighty Missouri
First National Bank of Glasgow
Fort Peck Administration Building
Fort Peck Dam
In Memoriam
In Memory
Liquid Gold
Old Fort Peck
Powerful Afterthoughts
The Ice Ages
The Old Milk River Bridge and Tampico
The Slide of '38
Town Built for a Dam
In the early 1800s, European fur traders and explorers began to venture into the area. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Valley County in 1805 on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. Traders and trappers followed, establishing camps along the riverbanks, and the region became an important hub for the fur trade.
In the late 1800s, Valley County saw an influx of settlers, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming and cattle ranching. Homesteaders began to establish towns and communities, with Glasgow becoming the county seat in 1893. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1887 further spurred growth and economic development in the area.
Valley County played a role in the early development of Montana's oil industry. In the early 1900s, significant oil discoveries were made in the region, leading to the establishment of oil fields and refineries. The oil industry became a major economic driver for Valley County, contributing to its growth and prosperity.
Today, Valley County continues to be an agricultural and oil-producing region. It is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with various recreational activities available, including fishing, hunting, and boating. The county's history is celebrated through numerous museums, historic sites, and annual events, offering visitors a glimpse into its past while showcasing the vibrant present.
Brief timeline of the history of Valley County, Montana:
- 1860: The first recorded settlements in the area that would become Valley County
- 1871: The Fort Peck Indian Reservation is established, covering parts of present-day Valley County
- 1880s: Ranching and farming become dominant industries in the area
- 1911: Valley County is officially created, with Glasgow as its county seat
- 1930s: The construction of Fort Peck Dam begins, bringing jobs and economic growth to the region
- 1940s: Fort Peck Dam is completed, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power
- 1950s: Oil is discovered in Valley County, leading to increased drilling and economic development
- 1980s: The oil industry experiences a decline, resulting in economic challenges for the county
- 2010s: Tourism becomes an important sector in the county, attracting visitors to sites such as Fort Peck Lake and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Valley County, Montana.