Montana Sheep Ranch Ledger

Montana Sheep Ranch Ledger, 1874-1881

Overview of the Collection

Title: Montana Sheep Ranch Ledger
Dates: 1874-1881 (inclusive)
18741881
Quantity: 0.2 linear feet
Collection Number: Mss 572
Summary: This collection contains one ledger from an unidentified sheep ranch in central Montana, possibly near Helena.
Repository: University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions: Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.
Languages: English
Sponsor: Funding for creating this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Historic Publications and Records Commission. Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Sheep ranching became a major part of the Montana economy in the 1870s. By March of 1884, there were one million head of sheep in Montana. The major wool distribution centers were located in Ft. Benton and Dillion, Montana. The Powder River, Graveyard Creek, the Judith Basin, and the Gallatin valley were the primary sheep-ranching areas. The most popular breed of sheep was Merinos, crossbred with Cotswolds, Leicester, and other long-wool varieties.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection consists of a ledger from a sheep ranch in central Montana. It contains receipts for goods purchased from 1874 through 1881. Some purchased items include dry goods, ranching equipment, and sheep shearing services. This ledger has numerous accounts and clients, among them are two notable Montanans, Paris Gibson, president of the Wool Growers Association, and James English, committee member of the Prickly Pear Valley Water Corporation.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Montana Sheep Ranch Ledger, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.

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