Named for Peter Valier. who supervised the construction of the Montana Western Railway between Valier and Conrad, the small town of Valier is in Pondera County, Montana. Before Lake Frances was constructed or the town developed, the Seven Block Ranch occupied much of what is now Valier. A person could ride from the current town of Valier to Fort Benton, more than seventy miles away, and never be off of the Seven Block Ranch, owned by two brothers, W.G. and Charles Conrad. In 1903, the Seven Block Ranch sold off all of their sheep and imported a new breed of cattle, the Hereford. These became the foundation for the Montana cattle industry for many years. In 1909, the Cargill family purchased the Seven Block Ranch. That same year, the ranch sold a thousand head of cattle to finance the construction of Lake Frances, water for irrigation being a major concern. Ranching remains an important part of the local economy, relying heavily on Lake Frances for irrigation. Construction of the lake opened up several jobs, which led to the founding of the town. Valier is accessed through Highways 44 and 358, and is located northwest of Williams and Conrad, and not far from the Alberta, Canada border.
Recommended Resources
Located in Valier, Montana, the real estate company facilitates the buying and selling of residential properties in Valier and Dupuyer, commercial properties, lots, and rural living properties. Its office location, hours, and contacts are posted.
http://www.eastsloperealty.com/
In operation since 1947, the family owned cattle ranch consists of three hundred head of Hereford cows that are rigidly culled each year, using a line breeding program, which is outlined here, along with a history and profile of the ranch, its sires and females, as well as a sale schedule.
http://www.holdenherefords.com/
The Valier, Montana motel caters to families, fishermen, hunters and wind surfers, offering a variety of rooms, including two- and three-room apartments for families or groups. A map shows the location and contact data is posted to the site.
http://www.mountainfrontlodge.com/
Pondera County Canal and Reservoir Company
PCC&RC is a water company headquartered in Valier, Montana. Operating and policy information are published to the site, along with current operating data, personnel contacts, photographs, and announcements.
http://www.ponderacanalcompany.com/
Stone School Inn Bed & Breakfast
Built in 1911, the early Montana school house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored, the facility now serves as a bed and breakfast guest accommodation. Directions, photographs, rates, and policy information are posted.
http://www.stoneschoolinn.com/
Founded in Valier, Montana in 1960, the general contractors now have offices in Valier, Kalispell, and Billings. A profile of the company and its services is featured, recent projects are highlighted, and contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.swankenterprises.com/
Published by the Cut Bank Pioneer Press, The Valerian is a weekly newspaper covering news and events in Valier, Montana. News, sports, obituaries, community events, and special sections. Subscription and advertising information is presented.
http://www.cutbankpioneerpress.com/the_valierian/
The library’s location, hours of operation, program schedules, and contacts are published, along with an overview of its genealogical research facilities, collections, and online resources.
http://www.valierpubliclibrary.org/
The official town web site features a profile of the community, a visitor guide, administrative and departmental contacts, council agendas and minutes, and public notices.
http://www.townofvalier.com/
