Bozeman, Montana

Like a good recipe that mixes different ingredients to create a flavor all its own is one way to describe Bozeman. Towns and cities do the same thing, and people will migrate to certain areas because of the flavor of the town. Bozeman's recipe is a mix of agriculture, tourism, education, recreation, and culture. The town's close proximity to Yellowstone National Park, the role of Montana State University, the attraction of thousands of acres of wilderness, and the city's symphonies, opera companies, and museums mark Bozeman as unique in many minds. Bozeman dishes up a taste that has any palette so enthralled that eating it everyday is a necessity.

Bozeman is located in the eastern end of the Gallatin Valley. The valley is part of the northern end of the Rocky Mountain chain. Northeast of Bozeman is the Bridger Range, named after the guide and trapper Jim Bridger. Its highest point is Sacajawea Peak at 9,670 feet. Southeast is the Madison range, named after James Madison, U.S. Secretary of State in 1804; its highest point is Gallatin Peak at 11,015 feet. The Gallatin Range lies south of town and its highest point is Mount Chisholm at 10,333 feet. These mountains surround the town with panoramic views, a feast for the eyes.

Early inhabitants of southwestern Montana referred to the valley as the Valley of Flowers. Prairie grass and sagebrush dominate the lower elevations, along with cottonwoods and willow trees. As elevation increases, conifers such as pine, spruce, and fir texture the area, with islands of aspen intermingled. Wildlife is abundant and diverse. Around Bozeman, one can encounter deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep, wolf, coyote, and bear. The area is also home to many birds and is a major migratory stopping point.

There are many rivers that traverse the area: The Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison all join together to [Page 78]form the Missouri River near Three Forks, Montana. A labyrinth of tributaries supplies these rivers. Fed by snow slowly melting high above the valley floor, these waterways feed the brilliant flora and fauna of the area. Not only are they the source of water, but they also provide easy transportation and recreation to local inhabitants.

Early picture of Main Street, Bozeman, Montana (circa 1860s).

Used with permission of the Pioneer Museum, Bozeman, Montana.

The beauty and fertility of the valley caught the attention of early immigrants. The rich river bottom-land and timber resources that surrounded them told early pioneers that this valley could be used to supply the mines of Virginia City and Helena and anybody else who chose to settle in the area. On August 9, 1864, a group of men met to formalize a town with the intent of protecting their interests in the area. The minutes of the meeting record that John M. Bozeman was elected chairmen and recorder of land claims. On nomination by Reverend William White Alderson, the town was named Bozeman. The cost of filing a claim was $1 and required the claimant to become a resident within 10 days in order to hold the claim. The next day, there were seven claims recorded and more followed that autumn. The meeting also established the town boundaries in order to organize land claims. The town was not formally platted until 1870 and was then incorporated by the state legislature in 1874.

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