Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame facts for kids

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame is a special kind of non-profit organization called a hall of fame. Its main goal is to celebrate the cowboy way of life, American Indian cultures, and the history of the American West in Montana. Each year, they choose important people to honor and add to their hall of fame.

A special license plate that helps raise money for the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Even though the Hall of Fame doesn't have its own building yet, the state government of Montana officially recognized it in 2003 and 2011. They raise money in different ways, like selling special car license plates. In 2007, they even received half a million dollars from the state to help plan and build their future home.

The Hall of Fame was first planned for Wolf Point, Montana. But later, the town of Big Timber, Montana was chosen instead. This was because Big Timber is easy to get to from Interstate 90, it's near other cool places like Yellowstone National Park, and it costs less to build there.

Honoring Montana's Western Heroes

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame honors people who have made a big difference in Montana's western history. These people are called "inductees." The first group of inductees was announced on April 8, 2008. Trustees (people who help run the organization) from twelve different areas of Montana voted on who should be chosen.

This first group included 51 people who made their mark on Montana's western heritage between 1860 and 1920. Since then, new inductees have been added every year.

First Inductees by Area (2008)

Here are a few examples of the first people honored in different parts of Montana:

Northeastern Montana (District 1)

• Assiniboine people of Northeastern Montana: An important Native American tribe.
• Sitting Bull: A famous Hunkpapa Lakota leader.

Southeastern Montana (District 2)

• Evelyn Cameron: A photographer who captured life in eastern Montana.
• N Bar N Ranch: A historic ranch that played a big role in the cattle industry.

South Central Montana (District 3)

• Casey Barthelmess: A well-known cowboy and rancher.
• William Wiseham "W.W." Terrett: An important figure in the early days of the region.

North Central Montana (District 4)

• Marie Gibson: A notable woman from the early ranching days.
• Honora Matilda Redwing: An important Native American figure.

Northwestern Montana (District 5)

• Peggy Bell: A significant person in the area's history.
• Charles M. Russell: A very famous artist known for his paintings of the American West.

Central Montana (District 6)

• E.C. "Teddy Blue" Abbott: A cowboy who wrote about his experiences.
• Granville Stuart: A pioneer who helped shape Montana.

South Central Montana (District 7)

• Chief Plenty Coups: A respected leader of the Crow Nation.
• Dilworth Cattle Company: A large and important cattle company.

West Central Montana (District 8)

• 2nd US Cavalry: A military group that played a role in the region.
• Thomas Cruse: A successful miner and businessman.

Southwestern Montana (District 9)

• Charles M. Bair: A very successful sheep rancher.
• Nelson Story: A pioneer who brought the first herd of cattle to Montana.

Western Montana (Districts 10, 11, and 12)

• Conrad Kohrs Ranch: A historic ranch known as the "Cattle King of Montana."
• Spokane: A famous racehorse who won the Kentucky Derby in 1889.

Many more individuals and groups have been added to the Hall of Fame in the years since, continuing to celebrate Montana's rich western heritage.