They say a picture is worth a thousand words

Frankie Miller requested this picture.  She said she had never seen a two story outhouse, but then again, how many of us have?   Anyone care to guess where it was taken?

Fort Parker Historical Site

Just a few miles east of Livingston, at Interstate 90 mile marker 343, there is a sign that reads Mission Creek, No Services. Beneath that sign is a brown sign with while letters telling passersby of the Fort Parker Historical Site. Fort Parker was built in 1869 as a result an 1868 treaty with the Crow Indians. Unlike the military forts in the area which were established to protect the settlers from the Indians, this fort or agency was a safe refuge for the Crow Tribe, from the Sioux, Cheyenne and Blackfoot tribes.

Original Fort Parker

The original log fort was similar in design to the military forts in the area. It burned down in 1870, only a year after it was built. The replacement was an adobe structure which was only used for a few years before the agency was moved to the Absorkee area, and later to its current location near Hardin.

You will not find any remnants of the fort left at the site, instead there are a series of interpretive signs in a ring around a symbolic teepee made of iron pipe. It is worth a ten or fifteen minute stop to stretch your legs and learn a little bit about the area’s history.





One interesting note, something that is not mentioned on any of the signs, is that the fort was named for Ely Samuel Parker, first native American to be named Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Parker served as an officer in the Civil War even though he was not considered a U.S. Citizen. While Parker’s only connection to Montana history is his name on Fort Parker, his story is one that would appeal to anyone interested in U.S. History. I encourage you to do a little research about him. There are several online sources available.

On this day in Montana History August 27, 1867

Fort Ellis was established by the United States army in response to the fears of settlers in the Gallatin Valley area. It was completed and put into service on August 27, 1867 under the command of Captain R. S. LaMotte. The fort located a few miles east of present day Bozeman was named for Col. Augustus Van Horn Ellis of the 124^th New York Volunteers, who had died four years earlier at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Major Eugene Baker, second commander at Fort Ellis and famous for his role in the Marias Massacre is near the Middle of the photo, with his hand resting on the rail. Gustavus Doane, who led the Doane-Washburn Expedition to the Yellowstone region is the fourth from the left side of the picture.  This photo was taken by William Henry Jackson of the United States Geological Survey in 1871.  Photo courtesy of the United States Geological Survey

The fort included housing and dining facilities for 400 men and had several other log buildings including a two story hospital and a rather elegant commander’s house. Fort Ellis played a prominent role in several events in Montana history, including the Marias Massacre in 1870, the Doane-Washburn Expediton to explore what later became Yellowstone National Park, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Fort Ellis was decommissioned on August 2, 1886, just shy of nineteen years after it was established.

Another good read (or listen)

A few weeks ago I was browsing the new book section in my local library. I came across the book, The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, by Nathaniel Philbrick. I hesitated for a few minutes because it was a one-week book and I wasn’t sure I had the time to finish it with all the other things projects I have in the works. After reading a few pages I knew that this account of the most famous battle in Montana history was one I didn’t want to miss, so I checked it out.



I have never been very interested in battles. Even though I have always found the Civil War and the Indian Wars fascinating, it wasn’t the battles themselves that intrigued me. I could never get into all the analyses of who-fell-where and battle strategies. For me, the causes and outcomes are infinitely more interesting. Philbrick’s objective account deals not only with the horrible devastion of June 25 and 26, 1876, but also with the events and ideas that led up to the battle. After finishing the book, a have a much better comprehension of both sides of the conflict.

I have to admit I was right about needing more than a week to finish the book but I did find a great solution. Instead of trying to find time to sit down to read, I downloaded the audio version and enjoyed listening to it while I walked to work. Listening to a good history book is almost as satisfying as reading one, except you don't get to look at the pictures.

County Courthouse tidbits

There is nothing boring about courthouses in Montana. Jefferson County Courthouse, built in 1888 has the distinction of being the only courthouse in Montana with gargoyles on the corners of the building perched just below the eave line.

The Big Horn County Courthouse was built during the Great Depression as a Public Works Administration Project. Because the goal of the WPA was get people off of assistance and back to work, most of the laborers on the project were unskilled or semiskilled. In order to best utilize these workers the design was kept simple.

Without doubt the most interesting County Courthouse in Montana is the Daniels County Courthouse. The building started out as the Commercial Hotel. In 1915, One-eyed Molly bought the building and transformed it into a gambling, drinking and dog fighting establishment that also happened to be a house of ill-repute. Molly was only in business for a couple of years, but it was enough to give the place a character of its own. When Daniels county was formed in 1920 and Scobey was chosen as the county seat, the county bought the building and transformed it into the County Courthouse. The courthouse, with an addition to double the size of the building, is still in use.

The source of the courthouse information is from the text of the National Register of Historic Places sign texts for each respective building. If you are interested in reading more of these signs you can go to the website for the Montana Historical Society  and click on the online resources, next go to the Montana History Wiki link.  http://mhs.mt.gov/research/

Searching For Missing Information

When you write non fiction books, the research is the best part of the job. Finding a missing piece of information is like finding a picture of your first love in a box of old family photos. You don’t mind digging for it, because you never know what else you might find. Every now and then a piece of information is so illusive that you think you will never find it. I find myself in that position right now. I am working on my new book Montana History Sampler and there is an incident that I would like to include but I cannot verify that it happened or get any specific information about it.

In the book, Montana Almanac, that was co-authored by Andrea Merrill and Judy Jacobson, published in 1997, I found a brief mention of the heroic action of a teacher named Bertha Rheinhart, who saved her students and the schoolhouse where she taught by building a backfire to stop the advance of a raging prairie fire. When some of the students became frightened they ran into the flames and Ms. Rheinhart risked her life to save the youngsters. According to this source she died from the burns she suffered. The incident took place in the Poplar area in 1914.

I have searched every resource I could think of, the newspapers from that area as well as the major state newspapers, as well as historical books from Roosevelt and Sheridan Counties. I even tried contacting the authors of Montana Almanac with no success. What I am hoping now is that someone who reads this might have some information or a suggestion about other leads.

Lantern Tour of Nevada City Montana

On the evening of September 3, the last of a series of Living History Lantern tours will be presented by the Montana Heritage Commission in Nevada City.  I have never attended one of these events but it sounds like something I would really enjoy.  Imagine touring Nevada City by lantern light while a guide shares stories about the night life when the town was bustling. The Jack Slade Story is the theme of the September 3 tour.  The tour starts out at the Music Hall at 9:30pm and last about 90 minutes. I don't know how large the crowds are for this tour, but it might be wise to show up a little early to assure a spot on the tour.  Adult tickets are $8 with reduced price for youth sixteen and under.

If you really want to make an evening of it, you could arrive in nearby Virginia City early enough to take a walking tour before it gets dark, then drive the short distance to Nevada City to take in the Lantern tour.  What a unique way to spend Saturday night.

Third Annual Cemetery Walk Reviewed

Yesterday afternoon I met the most lively bunch of dead people a person could hope to meet. I am, of course, referring to the Cemetery Walk at the Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston Montana. Everyone of the eight “ghosts” gave me an insight into the character they portrayed. I was entertained, amused, and educated.
If your group is considering staging such an event, The Park County Historical Society and The Park County Genealogical Society could give you some pointers. The afternoon was well planned, the audience was broken down into manageable sized groups, each led by a “B Street Girl.” It is obvious by the way the actors immersed themselves so completely in their roles, their performances represented countless hours of research.
For those who could not attend I will attempt to give you a brief description of the presentations, but as they say, you really had to be there.

Gary Fish, who is active in local theater productions, used his acting skills to bring to life the spirit of Charles Hefferlin. Hefferlin was first and foremost a financier who came to Livingston in 1883. He is remembered as a banker and builder and it was he who built the Hefferlin Opera House, a theater where many famous acts performed.

Gary Fish as Charles Hefferlin

Bob Ebenger portrayed James Goughnour. Goughnour who was once, among other things, a deputy sheriff in Big Timber and the mayor of Livingston. Ebenger is writing the biography of Emannuel Goughnour, James’ father. I will be looking forward to the reading that book when it comes out and will keep you posted.

Fred Shellenberg told the story of his father Fred Shellenberg. He chose not to present his father’s story in first person. The audience chuckled when he explained that he didn’t want to put words in his father’s mouth. His father was the only one of his family to come the United States from Switzerland sometime in the early 1900’s. His role in Livingston history is the time he worked for Montana Power in the facility that was located at the end of 10^th Street.

Milla Cummins, became Emma Scheuber, a well educated, refined lady and member of the Yellowstone Club, the group instrumental in raising the funds to build the library in Livingston. I think that Mrs. Scheuber would have been proud to be portrayed by Milla, the retired director of that same library.

Milla Cummins as Emma Scheuber

Jack Luther, as George Alderson revealed how his character, born in England, took a while to decide what he wanted to do with his life. He traveled back and forth from the mid-west to the west, working at various occupations and starting several businesses before he finally settled in Livingston. At the time of his death he was the owner and editor of one of the local newspapers.

Robert Anderson stood at the grave of Emanuel Fleming for his presentation. He was quick to point out that he was not Emanuel Fleming but Aaron Anderson, aka Bob Fields, the man who was convicted of murdering Fleming. Anderson was hanged for the crime on April 13, 1894. The interesting twist was that Anderson may or may not have been the murderer.

Mardi Whitmore became the rather colorful Josephine Kline. Her witty performance gave the audience a view of an unconventional woman, a single mother who wasn’t afraid to chances. After being treated unfairly in a business deal, she and a friend hitchhiked to Washington D.C. in hopes of talking to the president.

I saved Nancy Adkins, as Nancy Roop Adkins for last. Nancy Roop Adkins was my Great-grandmother. I have to admit that more than once my eyes welled up as Granny’s story was told. It was wonderful to see photos of Granny, gone so many years, along with those of some of her children. Nancy’s performance is the only one that I can judge based on memory. If I closed my eyes for a moment, I could picture her in her little house on South M Street, her final home.I am already looking forward to the fourth annual Cemetery Walk and I am seriously considering joining the Park County Historical Society. The two groups who organized and carried out this event are to be congratulated on it’s success.

Famous Fishermen

Yesterday I took my lunch and headed out to look for a spot to park along side the river to eat.  Now that the rivers are lower and running clearer, the fishing access sites are full of floaters and fishermen.  Even though I couldn't find a prime spot in the shade to eat my lunch, what with all the drift boat and raft trailers, I was still pleased to see them, because I am aware of what a big impact these people have on Montana's economy.

Always on the lookout for an interesting Montana history topic, it came to me that fishing in Montana has an interesting history of its own.  Dan Bailey, started his fly shop in Livingston back in 1938, the same year that Al Croonquist opened Camp Senia near Red Lodge and a few years later Bud Lilly opened his famous fly shop. 

While fly fishing is not one of my skills, the sight of a fisherman gracefully casting while standing waist deep in the river, is as much a part of summer for me as the smell of fresh cut hay or the sound of rolling thunder. I am looking forward to doing a little research to see what I can find about these famous fishermen.

Cemetery Walk

This Saturday, August 13,  I will be spending an enjoyable afternoon at the Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston Montana.  The Park County Historical Society and Genealogy Society will be hosting the third annual Cemetery walk, where attendees can meet eight "ghosts" of early Livingston residents that are buried there.  I missed the first two Cemetery walks due to schedule conflicts so I am particularly excited about this one.  One of the featured personalities is my great grandmother Nancy Adkins who is being portrayed by her granddaughter Nancy Adkins. 

Cemetery walking is one of my favorite pastimes, and having the added attraction of having actors bringing the past to life makes it much better.  I hope to find other such events in other Montana locations.

Whenever I check out a town that is new to me, I try to spend at least a little time exploring the cemetery.  It really adds to the experience when you see the tombstones bearing the names that also appear on the names of city streets or buildings.  From huge ornate headstones of the prominent citizens to the tiny angels on the headstones of babies, there are so many stories waiting to be told.

Bannack Cemetery

Some of my favorite cemeteries are Bannack, Forestvale in Helena, Virginia City Cemetery, Boothill in Billings, Emigrant in Paradise Valley South of Livingston, and Gardiner just outside of Yellowstone Park.

Watch future posts for more details on those cemeteries and others, along with tips on what to look for when visiting a cemetery for the first time.

Sunset Hills Cemetery, Bozeman



1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake

It it just a few days until the fifty-second anniversary of the Hebgen Lake Earthquake.  For the people living and camping in the Hebgen Lake area near Yellowstone National Park the events of the night of August 17-18, 1959 changed their lives and their landscape forever.  While many survived the ordeal of fleeing from the rising waters caused by the most massive landslide in the states history, 28 people died that night.  The 7.5 earthquake was one of Montana's most significant geological and historical events.

The Hebgen lake earthquake was significant to me for two reasons.  It was the first, and strongest earthquake I have ever felt.  The quake was felt through large parts of Montana and Idaho.  My family lived in a two story house and I remember my father getting us downstairs and outside away from the house.  When you are a small child, seeing your parents afraid creates a lasting impression.

Many years later, a visit to the Quake Lake Visitor center provided the inspiration for my book, MONTANA DISASTERS: FIRES, FLOODS, AND OTHER CATASTROPHES.  I had been writing short articles for years but when I saw how intrigued people were by the story of that night, I knew that I had found the book project I wanted to work on.

If you would like to read more about the quake, MONTANA DISASTERS is available in many of the state book stores and libraries or can be purchased on-line.

Time Travel

When I was a kid and my friends wanted to play time travel, most of them wanted to rocket into the future.  Not me. They would turn refrigerator boxes into race cars and rocket ships and I would turn mine into a stagecoach, all set to go to the old west. 

Now that I have become an author of historical non fiction, I have discovered that the best and most readily available methods of time travel, involve my car, my feet and the Internet.  Whenever I am preparing to go on a research trip the first thing I do is to learn as much about my destination as I can before I leave home.  

To illustrate my point I offer the following plan for visiting Virginia City Montana, something I encourage every Montana history enthusiast to do. 

• My first step would be to Google "Virginia City Montana" and see what pops up.  One of the first hits is for the Virginia City Chamber of Commerce.  This site is great starting point.  I review the list of events to see if there is anything special going on when I plan to visit.  I read the history section then I check out the activity section.
• Listed among the activities, I find a link for a walking tour map.  Eureka, just what I was hoping to find.
• I download the file and save it on my computer, that way I can print it out before I leave.
• As I look over the walking tour map I look for the names of people and buildings that might be of particular interest.  Then I google those terms to get as much information as possible.  (To arouse your curiosity, number 51 on the walking tour has a very interesting history, who was Sara Bickford?)
• I check the on line catalog of my hometown library to see what books are available on my subject.

By the time I actually visit Virginia City.  I have a good understanding of what I am seeing. Not just the limited text that is available on historic markers, or on the walking brochure.  I also have some idea of what information I do not have.  By doing my homework I can focus on what I need to find out, instead of  wandering aimlessly.

Even if you are only visiting Virginia City (or any other historic site) for entertainment, doing a little research ahead of time will greatly enhance your visit.