Southwest Montana Historical & Geologic Highway Signage

In the annals of time, Southwest Montana’s past was relatively recent – not much happened here until July 28, 1862. On that summer day, on Grasshopper Creek, near today’s Bannack Montana’s first major gold strike was made. The area quickly came alive.

Many of the sites and events of those earlier times are explained on historical signs established along the region’s roadways. They were installed by the Montana Highway Department, its former name when theseinformation signs were created.

As much of the landscape of Montana’s southwest appears like it did in its formulative years, it is easy to imagine that earlier era and visualize what a sign describes, as being played out in there.

Geology and the processes within the earth that shaped Southwest Montana’s topography were dynamic. In this corner of the state over thrusting, block faulting, volcanoes and massive igneous intrusions were all part of creating the geographic masterpieces we see or know about today. Like the historic displays, numerous interpretive signs and monuments share this knowledge with travelers.

Geologic informative boards, as well as historic signage are well-placed explaining why a particular bit of topography looks like it does today. And there is plenty of notice that one is nearby. Safe pullouts accompany each.