Roadside History of Montana

by Donald E. Spritzer

The Roadside History series charts a course to the present through carefully selected and thoroughly researched stories relating what we see today with what happened before. Through vivid anecdotes, old photographs, and maps, the Roadside History guides provide entertaining insight into the states they describe.Each state is divided into geographical and historical regions, and each region is described in the context of highways that pass through it. This road log approach helps place modern travelers in the past.Roadside History of Montana goes well beyond cowboy stories to tell of some of Montana's most fascinating people, from the copper kings of Butte to the Freemen of Garfield County.

Genres: History

432 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Greg Strandberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book with lots of info on the state. I knew a few of the stories from some of the towns, but most were new to me. Some that stood out to me was the piece on the Great Log Haul of 1988 in Darby where 200 trucks loaded with logs helped save a small mill with their shipment. Many of the stories of the smaller eastern Montana towns and how they got started are good too. Very well-researched and good for Montana natives or those that want to visit.

[Justice Beckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born and raised in this state. History means the world to me and I travel with this book as I move through the state

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those who know me well, know that I read about 6 books at a time, each from a different category (such as: History, Biography, Theology, Biblical Counseling, Devotional, and Church History), slowly making my way through each of the books I read. One of the categories I always try to read in is History, whether that is American history, Montana history, or a specific time period in world history focusing on an important person from that period. In the past month or two, I've been making my way through The Roadside History of Montana, which was excellent to read.

Spritzer starts by focusing on Northeastern Montana, and goes across the highline, to Glacier National Park, on over to Libby, then drops down to the Missoula area, the Dillon area, over to Butte (and Southwestern Montana), and onward to central and southeastern Montana. As one reads his/her way through this treasure, he/she is exposed to the many basic facts surrounding the creation of communities, counties, towns, cities, etc. Spritzer takes the reader on a journey through the early days of the settlements in the Montana territory. One reads of the saddening events of how Native Americans were mistreated at many turns, how settlers began their farms and mining exploits, the ebb and flow of population growth, the role that the railroad played in the developments of cities and towns, the brutal challenges that explorers faced as they navigated mountain passes, hoping to find passages to further lands. Spritzer highlights the gold rushes and the pursuit of other minerals and how that became a critical part of the development of Montana, as a new state was birthed and developed. Within the pages of this book, the author writes about interesting and important stories about many towns and cities around the state of Montana. Some might consider some of the things written as being merely trivia, but in some cases, it was fascinating trivia indeed. Spritzer also hightlights the many stories behind the ghost towns and the once thriving communities that now have little to no life left within their boundaries. One gets a taste of the good, the bad, the ugly of humanity as the state of Montana was explored and developed into the great state that it is today.

The books title makes it an interesting read if one is inclined to jump in the car and do a tour of this massive state. I highly recommend it as an aid to families who want to enjoy some short trips and/or to homeschool families who want a basic understanding of the state of Montana.

The weaknesses of the book are few. I was disappointed that nothing was said about my hometurf as Jefferson Island and Cardwell played some significant roles in the world of railroad, pottery, farming, recreation, etc. in Southwest Montana. For example, the man who began Big Sky ski area, was born and grew up in Cardwell, graduating from Whitehall High School. This is not a small thing given the development of the Gallatin Canyon and the Big Sky ski area. The other weakness could be seen, in that, towards the end of the book, Spritzer seems to not state much about some of the significant towns and cities in eastern Montana. I'm guessing there was much that could have been shared that would have perhaps strengthened the content of the book. All that aside, it was an absolute joy to read and to learn so much about the state that I love.

[Karen Curran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, informative book.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look in local grocery stores, bookstores, and tourist stops and you'll see this book. It summarizes Montana communities' history in concise paragraphs. I once heard another non-native speak of the book's usefulness when driving. I often read it before bed, so I doubt the book had the same effect on me.
Besides the well-known mining past of Butte and the efforts of bringing Glacier National Park to reality, the other main theme I learned from the book was the boom - bust cycle that is Eastern Montana. It seems that so many figured Montana was going to be profitable ranchland. It really isn't. Many moved in with dreams but had to leave after tough winters in the late 1800's. A car ride across the state testifies to this fact; abandoned houses, farm machinery, and other things not worth lugging are often seen. Apparently in a place with such wide open spaces, it makes more sense to just leave it in disrepair rather than pay the cost of moving it to be recycled or reused. It's economical, anyhow!
That said, it does have its colorful moments. It is best used in a car; the short passages lend themselves well to traveling through. Reading as a novel is not recommended; it did give a good overview of the towns and vacated towns of Montana.

[Jen]

It was an interesting book, but much longer and denser than what I am looking for at the moment.

[Bill Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a good survey of the history of most areas of Montana.

[Faith Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of places quick and trivial history of towns in Montana