Near Broadus in Powder River County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Big Sky Country
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 18, 2021
1. Big Sky Country Marker
Don't fence me in,
Gimme land, lots'land
Stretching miles across the West.
Don't fence me in,
Let me ride where it's wide
And that's how I like it best.
I want to see the stars,
I want to feel the breeze,
I want to smell the sage
And hear those cottonwood trees.
Just turn me loose,
Let me straddle my old saddle
Where the Rocky Mountains rise.
On my cayuse,
I'll go siftin', I'll go driftin'
Underneath those Western skies.
I gotta get where the West commences,
I can't stand hobbles;
I can't stand fences.
Don't fence me in.
Montana's big sky has inspired many poets. The verses above were penned by Bob Fletcher, father of the state's historical highway markers, which were first erected in the 1930s. In 1934, Cole Porter bought this poem from Fletcher, and it became one of Porter's greatest hits. It was not until 1954 that Fletcher got credit for composing the famous lyrics that inspired the hit song, "Don't Fence Me In."
Erected by Montand Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.
Location. 45° 25.308′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Montana, in Custer Country and in the Powder River Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Powder River Country (a few steps from this marker); The Hell Creek Formation (within shouting distance of this marker); Southeastern Montana (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Let 'er Buck (approx. 1.6 miles away); A Community Formed (approx.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 18, 2021
2. Big Sky Country Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
