Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame facts for kids

A mockup of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame specialty license plate.

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame is a special organization that celebrates the cowboy way of life. It also honors American Indian cultures and the rich history of the American West in Montana. This group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which means it's a charity. Each year, they choose and honor people who have made a big impact on Montana's western heritage.

Even though the Hall of Fame doesn't have a permanent museum building yet, the State of Montana officially recognized it in 2003 and again in 2011. To help raise money, they have a special car license plate that people can buy. In 2007, the state even gave them half a million dollars to help plan and develop a future site.

The Hall of Fame was first planned for Wolf Point, Montana. However, the location was later changed to Big Timber. This new spot was chosen because it's close to Interstate 90, which is a major highway. It's also near other popular places for tourists, like Yellowstone National Park. Plus, building costs were lower there.

Honoring Montana's Western Heroes

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame honors people who have significantly shaped Montana's western heritage. These honored individuals are called "inductees." They are chosen for their contributions to the cowboy way of life and American Indian cultures.

How People Are Chosen

The first group of inductees was announced on April 8, 2008. Trustees from twelve different areas of Montana voted on who should be honored. They selected 51 founding members for the Hall of Fame. These first honorees were people who made their mark on Montana's western history between 1860 and 1920. Since then, new inductees are announced every year.

Notable Inductees from Different Regions

The Hall of Fame divides Montana into districts to make sure people from all over the state are recognized. Here are a few examples of people and groups who have been honored:

From Northeastern Montana

• The Assiniboine people of Northeastern Montana were honored in 2008.
• Sitting Bull, a famous leader, was also inducted in 2008.

From Eastern Montana

• Evelyn Cameron, a photographer who captured early ranch life, was inducted in 2008.
• The N Bar N Ranch and Undem Ranch, important parts of ranching history, were also honored in 2008.

From Southeastern Montana

• Casey Barthelmess, a well-known figure in the region, was inducted in 2008.

From North Central Montana

• Marie Gibson, an important woman in the area's history, was honored in 2008.

From Central Montana

• Charles M. Russell, a very famous cowboy artist, was inducted in 2008. His art shows what life was like in the Old West.

From South Central Montana

• E.C. "Teddy Blue" Abbott, a cowboy who wrote about his experiences, was honored in 2008.
• Granville Stuart, a pioneer and rancher, was also inducted in 2008.

From South Central Montana (Yellowstone Area)

• Chief Plenty Coups, a respected leader of the Crow people, was inducted in 2008.

From West Central Montana

• Thomas Cruse, a successful miner, was honored in 2008.
• Fannie Sperry Steele, a famous bronc rider, was inducted in 2009.

From Southwestern Montana

• Charles M. Bair, a successful sheep rancher, was inducted in 2008.
• Nelson Story, a pioneer who brought cattle to Montana, was also honored in 2008.

From Western Montana

• Conrad Kohrs Ranch, a historic ranch, was inducted in 2008.
• Spokane (horse), the winner of the 1889 Kentucky Derby, was honored in 2008.
• The Sacred Medicine Tree of the Salish, an important cultural site, was inducted in 2009.