CATTLE COMPANIES

The advent of the big Texas Cattle Drives into this area of the Montana Territory in 1882, the Hash Knife, Bridle bits and the Mill Iron Brands, all members of the Continental Land and Cattle Company,  and members of the Turkey Track Brand a member of the Day & Cresswell Cattle Company, as well as many others established themselves in this area.  Huge ranches, with thousands of head of cattle, all owned by big corporations began to dominate the territory. Their presents lasted until the winter of 1888/89, when due to an extremely severe cold and snowy winter, the herds suffered greatly. Some were reduced by as much as 90 percent. Many corporations went bust. Those who didn't, still lost millions of dollars and left the Montana Territory. Some of the cowboys who had signed on to trail the herds, and to work on the ranches in the Montana Territory remained behind and established their own smaller ranches.

Cattle drives remain the way of life for today's Montana Rancher, with spring and fall roundups.

A fine collection of early cowboy and pioneer tools, clothing, weapons, saddles, household goods and related historical items can be found throughout the museum. All reminiscent of the lives of the early cattle ranchers and homesteaders of Ekalaka and Carter County.

	HOMESTEADERS

The years 1900 to 1920's witnessed a large influx of homesteaders into eastern Montana. They established homes and farms and began the work of "Proving-up" on their land. They dug water wells, built log homes or dugouts to reside in until better homes could be built.

Although not quite as comfortable as a  log cabin, these dugouts did provide shelter from the elements, as well as a modest amount of safety.

Many of the earliest settlers log homes can still be seen dotting the landscape across Southeastern Montana.

In 1906, with the Forest Homestead Law passed, grazing land, and timber production could be leased from the government owned forests. The portion of Custer National Forest located within Carter County opened up even more opportunities for these settlers. This prosperity lasted until the Great Drought & Depression of the 1930's, after which only the hardiest survived.

	EAST MEETS WEST

As the homesteaders moved into the area their possessions traveled across the prairie with them. Fortunately descendants saved a great many of these precious items much of which has been donated to the Museum for safe guarding.

 

	WESTERN DEPARTMENT

A fine collection of armament is featured in the Western Department

To contact us:

Carter County Museum

306 N. Main Street

Ekalaka, Montana 59324-0445

Phone: (406) 7756886