Near Lewistown in Fergus County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

The Judith Basin Country

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2019

1. The Judith Basin Country Marker

Inscription. The Judith Basin occupies a central place in Montana's history. For centuries, the lush grasses of the region attracted large numbers of buffalo, antelope, and deer. The abundant game, in turn, drew Indian hunting parties to this area. But the late 1870's, the Indians had been confined to reservations outside the basin and most of the buffalo were gone. Montana cattlemen moved into the area in 1880. By 1885 cattle grazed in this valley. Outfits active in the area were the Judith Cattle Company, the renowned Davis-Hauser-Stuart (DHS) Ranch, and Conrad Kohrs and Nick Bielenberg. Artist Charlie Russell, who gained much of his early experience as a cowboy here during the 1880's, later captured the area's rich and colorful history in some of his most famous paintings. After the cattlemen came the homesteaders, many of them drawn to this agriculturally fertile area by the marketing of the Great Northern and Milwaukee Road Railroads.

Erected by Montana Department of Transportation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad

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Location. 47° 3.317′ N, 109° 27.561′ W. Marker is near Lewistown, Montana, in Fergus County. It is on U.S. 87 near H Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewistown MT 59457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Russell Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lewistown Army Airfield (a few steps from this marker); The Nez Perce Conflict of 1877 (a few steps from this marker); Camouflage Building (approx. half a mile away); Quartermaster Warehouses (approx. half a mile away); All Purpose Shop (approx. half a mile away); Training Building (approx. half a mile away); Crew Chief Building (approx. half a mile away); Pre-War Hangar

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2019

2. The Judith Basin Country Marker

(approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewistown.

More about this marker. This marker is located at the Kiwanis Club Campground.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 593 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.