John Bozeman
Pioneer John Bozeman is best known for blazing a trail through the Wyoming Territory and into the gold fields of Western Montana. He also helped found the town of Bozeman, Montana, which is named after him. Michael Fox, curator of history at the Museum of the Rockies, talked about Mr. Bozeman and showed some of his personal belongings that were with him when he was shot and killed in 1867.
Description
Pioneer John Bozeman is best known for blazing a trail through the Wyoming Territory and into the gold fields of Western Montana. He also helped found the town of Bozeman, Montana, which is named after him. Michael Fox, curator of history at the Museum of the Rockies, talked about Mr. Bozeman and showed some of his personal belongings that were with him when he was shot and killed in 1867.
Bell Ringer Assignment
- Why did John Bozeman decide to settle in Idaho territory in 1862?
- Explain John Bozeman's idea of "mining the miners."
- Explain the origin of the town of Bozeman.
- Describe the Bozeman Trail and the problems associated with it.
- How did the government respond to these issues?
- Describe the circumstances surrounding John Bozeman's death.
Additional Resources
- Bell Ringer: Nelson Story
John Russell, author of Treasure State Tycoon: Nelson Story and the Making of Montana, shared,the story of the Montana pioneer and entrepreneur who contributed heavily to the growth of Bozeman and led the first major cattle drive into Montana along the Bozeman Trail.
- Bell Ringer: Ties, Rails, and Telegraph Wires
Author Dale Martin examined the impact of the railroad on the development of Montana and the West.
- Video Clip: Yellowstone National Park
Lee Whittlesey, Yellowstone National Park historian and author, talks about the history of Yellowstone Park.
- Bell Ringer: Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming
One of three forts built along the Bozeman Trail by the U.S. Army to protect travelers from attacks by Plains Indians, Fort Phil Kearny Historic Site gives visitors a feeling of what it was like for American soldiers to be stationed so far from civilization. Misty Stoll, site superintendent, provided insight into why American Indians resented their presence which led to two major battles, the Fetterman Fight and the Wagon Box Fight.
Participants
Vocabulary
- Allies
- Arapaho
- Cheyenne
- Fort Laramie Treaty Of 1851
- Lakota
- Oregon Trail
- Prospector
- Sioux