Home > Montana > Melrose vicinity > William & Lucina Bowe Ranch, County Road 44, 0.1 mile northeast of Big Hole Riv, Melrose, Silver Bow County, MT
B&W Photos
HB749897
BWPhotos 345142
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HB749898
BWPhotos 345143
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HB749899
BWPhotos 345144
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HB749900
BWPhotos 345145
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HB749901
BWPhotos 345146
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HB749902
BWPhotos 345147
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Item Title
BWPhotos 345147
Location0.1 mile northeast of Big Hole Riv,
Melrose vicinity, MT
Find maps of Melrose, MT
Created/Published
Documentation compiled after 1933.
Notes
Survey number HABS MT-104
Building/structure dates:
1875 initial construction
Significance: The William and Lucina Bowe Ranch is significant for its important association with the historic development of the lower Big Hole Valley. It was one of the first ranches established during the region's period of initial settlement in 1870s, and has continued to function as a cattle ranch to the present day. In addition, it is associated with the early transportation history of southwest Montana, having been a stage station and hotel along wagon roads between various mining camps. The William and Lucina Bowe Ranch also serves as a well-preserved example of a ranch complex from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Most of the 22 buildings and structures at the ranch were constructed between 1875 and the 1930s, and are highly reflective of the design, materials and construction technologies common to the period. Nearly half of them are of log construction, representing one of the more outstanding collections of historic log buildings found in the region. The site derives further significance for its association with William and Lucina Bowe, pioneers of the lower Big Hole Valley and two of the founders of the nearby community of Melrose.
Subjects
AgricultureCattle IndustryCattle Ranches
Related Names
Hager, Kristi, Photographer
Axline, Jon, Historian
McCormick, Mary, Historian
Collection
Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress)
Contents
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