Bozeman

Bozeman. Our base of operations. Our home. Before Bozeman’s founding, a number of indigenous tribes travelled through the Gallatin Valley area, where Bozeman is now found, including the Shosone, the Nez Perce, the Blackfeet, the Flathead, the Crow Nation, and the Sioux. William Clark and co. visited the area during his expedition around the Three Forks, traveling down the Gallatin River. The town was founded in 1864 by John Bozeman, who came looking for better gold mining after California failed him. Eventually, due in part to  these labor opportunities, the town had a decent population of immigrants from places including Germany and China. A number of Black people also found their way to the town as refugees from the racism and violence that still ran rampant in the postbellum South. 

We’ve spent a lot of time SKETCHING in this town and the places surrounding it. As small as it is (a population of 57,000), Bozeman has a number of different historic districts, such as (but not limited to) Lindley, Story Mill, Cooper Park, and the Bozeman Brewery District, that contain a variety of architectural styles and designs. With some exceptions, most of these districts were granted their “Historic District” status in the mid 1980s. Unique kinds of structures, such as mills and silos, as well as natural landscapes, like lakes, rivers, fields, and (most obviously) the mountains, can be found in town or close by. Whether you want to stay in town or wander outside of city limits for a bit, you won’t find yourself lacking in sketchable locations.

One such example of an important architectural feature is the Story Mansion. Nelson Story was one of Bozeman’s early businessmen, making a fortune in merchandising, ranching, milling flour, and real estate. Famously, he rode from Texas to Montana with a 1,000 head cattle herd. This trek would go on to become part of the inspiration for the Pulitzer Prize winning novel Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. Nelson Story’s son T. Byron Story assumed the role of businessman and built the locally famous Story Mansion in 1910. 

One of the most noticeable scenic features that can be seen from just about anywhere in town is the “M.” Located on Mount Baldy, the large white M was created in the 1915/1916 school year by engineering sophomores at Montana State University, who, with a team, carried rocks from the surrounding area to construct the piece. There are a number of trails that lead up to the M. Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular hiking spot with locals and visitors alike. But it is just one of many walking trails and hikes that can be found throughout the town. Just outside of town, for instance, Hyalite Canyon offers a reservoir, campsites, and numerous hiking trails. 

Unlike other towns or larger cities, Montana State University (founded in 1893) and the student population is well integrated into Bozeman itself and the town’s population. The line between Bozeman and University district, between local and student, are blurred. People both young and old can find a place here in our fine town.

If you want to learn more about Bozeman’s history, try out the Gallatin History Museum.