Emigrant Gulch: Searching for Gold in Park County, Montana

In 1864, an Oregon Trail wagon train of pioneers from Pennsylvania and Iowa found their way to Emigrant Gulch and Park County in search of gold. The first settlers staked 200-foot claims at the mouth of the Gulch, in what had been called the Curry District. One of the oldest mining districts in Park County, the history of the area is reproduced here in almost 200 vintage photographs, and captures America's fascination with the development of the Wild West.

Park County, so named due to its proximity to Yellowstone Park, was established in 1887. Placer gold was discovered in the Gulch in 1864, and with this discovery came miners and prospectors from all over the country, ultimately resulting in the development of Yellowstone City and other communities. While open hostilities with the native Crow Indians in the region would eventually dissuade continual mining in the region, many stayed to populate the area. Pictured here are the miners, residents, businesses, street scenes, and social activities that made Park County what it is today.