Sweet Grass County, Montana | Area History

While traveling down the Yellowstone River on the return to home in 1806, Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition noted in his journal a point along the river where two streams entered the Yellowstone on opposite sides. Captain Clark entered that location as “rivers across” in his landmark journal. “Rivers Across” was to become the future neighborhood of Big Timber, Montana.

Originally established in 1883 at its current location, Big Timber premiered as a hub for large-scale sheep production and mining activity in the Boulder Valley south of the town. In the early 1800’s, Big Timber was the largest wool shipping point in the United States with over five million pounds shipped in one year. The prosperity of the sheep and cattle industries provided ample incentive for innovative business people to build the stores necessary to provide services to the stockmen.

Over the course of the years since its founding, Big Timber has grown to become home to a wide spectrum of agricultural, cultural, recreational, mining, and outdoor pursuits.

Community

Big Timber—the county seat of Sweet Grass County—is a vibrant, historic town. Renowned for its cattle, grass, nearby mountains and recreational opportunities, the Big Timber area is considered one of the most desirable locations in the state of Montana.

The 3500± residents of Sweet Grass County enjoy quality public schools, a first-rate medical facility, a public golf course, a museum, and many local businesses. Among the offerings of historic downtown Big Timber are art galleries, boutiques, a quilt store, a Carnegie Library, a movie theater, a supermarket and a hardware store.

Two major rivers—the Boulder River and the Yellowstone River—flow through the county. Known internationally as premier fisheries, both rivers are destinations for recreationists from around the world. Sweet Grass County is still largely agricultural in character but is host to a growing number of landowners and tourists who appreciate the crystal-clear rivers and streams, the proximity to national forest wilderness and the magnificent blue sky and mountain vistas the area has to offer.

From Big Timber, Billings—Montana’s largest city—is 80± miles to the east, and Bozeman is 60± miles to the west. Commercial air service is available at both Billings and Bozeman. The Big Timber airport provides a lighted, paved runway suitable for most private jets.