Big Timber, Montana is the Sweet Grass County seat of government. Located in south-central Montana, Big Timber is bordered by the Yellowstone and Boulder rivers. Captain William Clark led his Corps of Discovery into the area that is now Sweet Grass in 1806, but the area wasn’t settled until 1883, after the Northern Pacific Railroad extended its track through the region, establishing a railroad station at what was originally named Dornix, situated at the confluence of the two rivers. Its early economy was centered on a saw mill and lumber operations. Before long though, the center of the town moved to higher ground, and was renamed Big Timber for the large cottonwood trees that grew along the rivers. Until 1891, Big Timber was a part of the Crow Indian reservation lands. Sheep were introduced to Big Timber in 1880, beginning a long history of sheep and cattle ranching. The first woolen mill opened in Big Timber in 1901 and, at one time, the city shipped more wool than any other city in the country. Big Timber was incorporated as a city in 1902. While ranching and farming continue to be important factors in the local economy, platinum and palladium mining is also a contributing factor. Judy Martz, the 22nd governor of Montana, was born and graduated from high school in Big Timber. The city is situated along I-95, at the Highway 191 exit, northwest of Greycliff and northeast of Livingston.
Recommended Resources
The B Bar Ranch, located north of Big Timber, Montana, operates on about seven thousand acres, offering grass-fed beef. Its site offers an overview of the ranch, information about the ways in which the beef is raised, and the breed of cattle used.
http://whiteparkbeef.com/
Affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, the Big Timber, Montana congregation’s location, schedule, and church calendar are published, along with an overview of the denomination and local church, Bible study helps and lessons, and leadership contacts.
http://www.bigtimberadventist.org/
In operation since 1914, the Big Timber, Montana library was built with funding from the Andrew Carnegie Corporation, and offers free access to books, magazines, audio recordings, videos, electronic books and readers, and a variety of online resources to its members, as well as various programs and events. Its location, hours of operation, and contacts are provided.
http://www.bigtimberlibrary.org/
Organized in 1925, the history, mission and practices of the church in Big Timber, Montana are related, with a directory of pastors and staff, office hours, program schedules, and a church calendar. A sermon archive is included.
http://www.bigtimberchurch.com/
Located in Big Timber, Montana, state inspected and certified organic, the company processes organic and natural grass-fed beef, hogs and lambs for several private-label ranches. Its domestic and wild game processing services are featured, and a client list is included.
http://www.bigtimbermeats.com/
Headquartered and manufactured in Big Timber, Montana, the company makes rifles, stamped with the original Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company trademark, “Old Reliable.” An in-stock rifle list is featured, and a product catalog may be downloaded from the site. Products may be purchased online.
http://csharpsarms.com/
Located in south-central Montana, Big Timber is the county seat of Sweet Grass County. The city’s mayor and council are introduced, office hours are stated, and administrative and departmental contacts are included, along with the city codes, a calendar of events, agendas and minutes.
http://www.cityofbigtimber.com/
Shiloh Rifle produces the Shiloh Sharps rifle, intended for shooters, hunters, competitors and collectors, not the mass market. The Big Timber, Montana company and its products is highlighted, and made available for purchase online. A discussion forum is included.
http://www.shilohrifle.com/
Spring Creek Campground and Trout Ranch
Situated on fifteen acres on the Boulder River, in Big Timber, Montana, Spring Creek hosts RV sites, cabins, tent camping, weddings, family reunions, and other group events. A campground map and gallery of photographs, directions, and an outline of its features, amenities, and rates are included.
http://www.springcreekcampground.com/
Sweet Grass Chamber of Commerce
Based in Big Timber, Montana, the Chamber is a non-profit membership organization made up of businesses and interested people in Sweet Grass County. Membership information and policies, a member directory, calendar of events, and guide to the area are featured on its site.
http://www.bigtimber.com/
Sweet Grass County High School
The 9-12th grade public school campus is located in Big Timber, Montana. A history of the school, and overview of its 9-12th grade curriculum and adult education programs, a school calendar, faculty and staff directory, and employment openings are posted.
http://www.sgchs.com/
Constructed in 1890, the Big Timber, Montana hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, restored and offering a variety of guest accommodations, which are described here, along with its services, dining facilities, and contacts. Reservations may be made online.
http://thegrand-hotel.com/
