Nelson Story: Bozeman Pioneer and Capitalist
| Dates: | April 15, 2024 |
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| Meets: | M from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Location: | Bozeman, MT - Museum of the Rockies |
| Cost: | $0.00 |
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Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2023-2024 OLLI at MSU Membership
Description
John Russell, author of Treasure State Tycoon, Nelson Story and the Making of Montana, will give an overview of this remarkable Bozeman pioneer. More than any other, Story is responsible for the community's early growth and development. After striking it rich in the gold fields of Alder Gulch, Story drove the first herd of cattle from Texas to the territory that would become the Treasure State and went on to build a diverse commercial empire, the success of which relied on his determination, ingenuity and penchant for fraud and deceit.
Story had a well-earned reputation for ruthlessness in his personal and professional conduct. Still, he was also a generous philanthropist, supporting local churches, schools and other civic improvements. He tirelessly promoted the upstart community of Bozeman, playing a central role in the establishment of the Montana College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts-today's Montana State University.
Like other political and business leaders of his time, Nelson Story left a legacy rife with paradox. Few others can rival Story's significance to Montana's territorial history. His actions shaped life in Montana and continue to resonate in today's contested mythology of the American West.
Program Takeaways
- To instill a greater appreciation of Montana's history and heritage, particularly Bozeman and southwest Montana.
- Those who take the course will come away with a greater appreciation of the development of Bozeman and southwest Montana in the nineteenth century.
| Fee: | $0.00 |
Bozeman, MT - Museum of the Rockies
600 West Kagy BlvdBozeman, Montana 59717
John Russell
John C. Russell was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Bozeman to attend Montana State University, earning a B.A. in history. He has worked as a television and radio reporter and, most recently, served as director of the Gallatin (County) Historical Society. His book on Bozeman pioneer Nelson Story, Treasure State Tycoon, Nelson Story and the Making of Montana, was published in 2018 by the Montana Historical Society and is available at local bookstores. John has also written several historical articles, one published in Wild West Magazine.