The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-22

combinations. To the north and west
stand the Crazy mountains sombre and
morose. whose dark recesses fill the mind
of even the wandering Indian with awe,
awakening in his untutored imagination
images Of savage gods in battle with de-
mons of the air, and giving birth to wild
legends, of evil spirits, of incantations, and
magic spells. It was to him place for fear
and trembling, and only visited BY prophets
savage solitude dared the dangers of the
hidden world and brought forth as re-
ward lessons of wisdom for the people,
charms against danger in battle, and potent
remedies for disease. To the east, the
Of q mighty sea, beat up in the far distance
against the feet of the Bull mountains.
No, our artist seeking the strange or the
beautiful would have no occasion to go be-
yond the limits of this spot to find all that
delicate taste could enjoy or his skill por-
tray on canvas.
But while all to greater or less extent ap-
preciate beautiful surroundings that crafty
the eye and kindle the imagination, it is
material resources and advantageous loca-
tions that attract the keen eye of traffic and
command the attention of the practical man
men of energy, sagacity and determination
abound, natural advantages are quickly OBJ
served and as quickly turned to practical
account. Thus it came about that when
that mighty artery of commerce, the North
ern Pacific railroad, penetrated the beauti-
full valley of the Yellowstone, and its bands
Of steel were laid, the site of the present
town of Big Timber was found to be con-
yenient point at which to locate station.
A modest affair was that station, scanty in
comforts and remarkable for the absence of
decorative art. There was nothing high
toned or gaudy about the establishment and
no great promise of population in the melan-
choly bachelor who sold tickets and checked
baggage for the great corporation. But the
book was open, and he who came might
read, Before the white man came the In
dian had occupied the valley. For untold
centuries he had studied in his practical
way the topography of his country. had
learned the natural routes across the prai-
ries to the feeding grounds of the buffalo,
and in his journeys to and from his favorite
be seen in some localities to this day. It
was found that these trails starting from
the vicinity of Big Timber Station, as it
was then called, radiated out like the
spokes of a mighty wheel to the east. west,
To the south they followed the course of
the frowning boulder, high up into the vast
solitudes of the mountains, where amid
living springs and melting snow, the
stream found its source. Amid the depths
deer, returning to enjoy their sports on the
bank of the great river they loved so we'll.
To the west their paths wound along the
course Of streams to what is now known as
South River Valley. To the north, follow
ing ING ne same natural 2, guides, they reached
pasture ground of The buffalo. Trap
pers, hunters, and Indian traders,
who next appeared upon the scene, followed
in the footsteps of their dusky friends or
foes, whichever they happened to be, and
when civilization had so far advanced that
I'M rua no oHy oSo al 4
It's location in charge placed a station on
Big Timber creek, within rife shot of the
site of the present town.
A NATURAL CENTRE.
In pointing out these facts we are simply
repeating tale which has been told and
told again since the growth of our country
began. A natural centre is valued as we'll
by savage as by civilized man, and in mat
tiers of local geography our Kit Carsons,
Fremonts, Bozemans and Bridgers have
been taught by the simple intelligence of
Poor Lo."
Thus it was written upon the map of the
Yellowstone Valley, that Big Timber was
point from which adjacent localities might
be easily reached. and we have seen from
both the stage coach and the iron horse as
they appeared, read the signs Alright
and profted thereby. And now another
chapter opens. Emigration in large volume,
following the advent of the railroad. swept
a mighty tide into our valleys, across our
mountains and over our plains. Uncle Sans
pastures were green and tempting, AID the
stockman lo' ed upon them with wistful
eye. The ;:sf from New England who
had been nour1shed in his childhood upon
pine knots and whose olfactories had been
gladdened by the sweet incense of pine
trees, as they were torn asunder by the re-
lentless buzz saw, listened to the signing of
the forests on the mountains, for they told
him of riches to be won, and he loved cold.
The miner communed with the silent noun
tains. for verify, as good old Job remarked,
."There is q vein for the silver and place
for the gold where they find it,
The man who exchanges the comforts of
an eastern home for u life on the frontier
usually believes that time is money and
goes to work without unnecessary delay.
Thus it happened that the deer and elk
forgot their old feeling of freedom, for
they found q new danger besetting them,
and before the deadly crack of the hunters
rife, the vast herds of buffalo melted
away, leaving as traces of their existence
only bleaching bones that excite the pass
ing interest Of the tourists or claims the
attention OF the manufacturers of fertili-
zers. In their stead appeared the feecy
locks Of the woolgrower and the cattle Of
the stockman. The pastures which in
former years had furnished game for the
Indian now supplied beef for eastern tables
0A0 WOO1 lOIA 0HbVClA 4OOluS. Anu
now another need was developed, |
another want was to be supplied.
SHEEP AND CATTLE MEN.
required convenient shipping point
and it was found that Big Timber
was admirably located for the pur-
pose. The Northern Pacific Railroad
company according to their request erected
extensive stock yards and private enter
prise supplied capacious warehouses in
which wool could be stored. A new era had |
opened IN the history of Big Timber. Its |
destiny had become apparent. Mercantile |
house were established and an old pioneer |
Of that region. w. Il. Bramble. opened |
hotel which was celebrated for its solid |
comforts and bountiful cheer. Each sea-
son. beginning early in the month of June, |
long trains of freight wagons heavily laden |
with wool came creaking along the old In |
dian trails, now transformed into we'll kept |
roads, TO the new depot, and after unload |
ing found that Big Timber merchants were |!
prepared to supply them with groceries, |
clothing and other articles which were re- |
quired.
The railroad company found it necessary
TO put in aide tracks to facilitate the hand |
ling of this freight, and the melancholy
station agent of former years deyeloped /
into an active man OF business He vaa /
Obliged 70 b active or lose his positieu. |
Aee~ y - eeesoA hee9s q fat esttls 1ox |