Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1942-08-08
Battle for Capital Was Best
In MOntana'S Political Life
BY JEAN MOORE

was given TO organized govern
ment. Men had time but for one
thing-t0 hunt the precious metal
which had Iured them TO the bars
and river beds Of Montana. Gold
was a magic word and with its
magnetism drew not only the hard
working, ambitious miners, but
murderers and highwaymen as
well. Like birds Of prey, they
sought out their victims, taking
all and leaving in their wake de-
structi0n and despair.
Finally, when it became quite evil
dent that something had to be done
In order to insure at least a reason
able amount Of safety to the citizens
Of various camps, a group Of honest
and law-abiding men banded together
and organized the now famous Vigil
lantes. Coming as a complete surprise
to the outlaws, especially when they
realized that the VigilanteS really
meant business, there was falling off
in crime. Some Of the outlaws who
had prospered so easily at the expense
of others and with so little interior
ence, greatly regretted the curtailment
Of their liberties, but having become
accustomed to their life Of crime, they
simply became more cautious in their
undertakings.
The Vigilantes, although they had
won the first round in the enforcing
of the law, were as yet not quite
strong enough for the big job ahead
of them. 1t was impossible for them
to devote their entire time to their
duty as peacemakerS as each felt the
necessity of making a living. So, in
1884, the threat of the criminal ele-
ment became the deciding factor in
the birth Of Montana's first govern
ment.
Bannack First Choice
AS Bannack at this time represent
ed a decidedly prosperous part Of
Montana territory, it was not strange
that a governor should be chosen from
this camp. For this important and
responsible position one of Montana's
earliest settlers was chosen, a lawyer
named Sidney Edgerton. Along with
the privileges granted him was the
honor of choosing the location for the
future capital. Considering that Ban
mack at that time showed promise Of
becoming a worthy and permanent
city, no one was surprised or opposed
to the idea Of selecting Bannack for
the capital site.
So 1t was, that in small log house,
typical Of the majority Of the camps
houses, the first legislature Of Mon
tana was held. Here rugged and earn
est men weighed carefully all sugges-
tions regarding the welfare Of the
newly formed state and here was laid
the foundation of our present beloved |
and important state Of Montana.
There was general understanding |
In connection with the choosing OF |
the seat Of government, however, and |
that was that Bannack was to have
the honor only until a more definite
decision might be made. There were |
varied opinions concerning the ideal
location and some favored Virginia
City, with the population Of thou
sands, as against the lesser population
Of Bannack for a permanent site. Me-
vada City, Alder Gulch and Summit
all boasted a larger population than
that of Bannack.
AT last, after many pros and cons,
Governor Edgerton on Feb. z, 1855,
put his name to an act declaring Vir-
giria City to be the winner in the
race for the capital. Expenses for the
committee were not to ex-
iced 500.
The final choice proved to be wise
one and within years time Virginia
City became a thriving town, harbor-
ng stage lines and many places of
business. A social as well as a business
center became established In which
churches, lodges and schools predom-
mated. Its right to the capital was
not to go unchallenged, however.
Other camps had flourished, too, and
Zach one felt eligible, to claim the
honor of having the capital Of Mon
ana territory. One of the most bitter
concerning this question was Helena.
Grew
Since it's discovery in 1884, Last
Chance gulch had grown by leaps and
POUNDS. 1t had never been entirely
atisfied with the selection Of the
;apital site and as it grew its dis
became more and more
n evidence until in 1856 1t decided to
how its fighting intentions for
much wanted honor and finally sue
eeded in getting an act through the
legislative assembly giving Helena an
/.
he territorial voters. Once more the ,,
lecision went to Virginia City with
large vote In her favor.
The people of Helena refused to
AXE their defeat gracefully, bided
heir time and In 1868 when a bill
7as introduced into the assembly to !
i've the capital to Deer Lodge, 1t was =
mended to read Helena instead, and
nee again the vote for the capital
rent to the people and once again
Ielena was forced to accept defeat. {
Five years from the date Of the c
econd decision in favor Of Virginia /
lily, Helena once more took up her !
eud. This time conditions were more v
4 her favor as Virginia City, despite I
er promise Of becoming a leading I
lily, had begun TO depreciate in her s
lining activities and as result had
,st much Of her former population. S
Ielena, with her larger population, b
ad now become the business and so {
Lal center Of Montana territory. A y
battle ensued In the legis- '