History of Livingston, Montana

Livingston came into being in 1882 in consequence of planning by the Northern Pacific Railway, which deemed it a good location for railroad shops to service its steam trains before their ascent over the Bozeman Pass, the highest point on the line (approx. 5600 feet). Originally named Clark City, it took its present name after an NP executive. In addition Livingston became the original gateway to Yellowstone National Park, which the NP began promoting heavily to visitors from the East, by way of a branch running some sixty miles south to first the Cinnabar station and later Gardiner, as well as headquarters for the NP's Central Division.

Livingston is situated on the Yellowstone River where it bends from north to east toward Billings, Montana, and in proximity to Interstate Highway I-90. In 1806 Captain William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped on the town's present outskirts returning east prior to rejoining the Lewis party.

Though a small town, Livingston is home to a number of popular tourist points. The Livingston Depot, built in 1902 after two predecessors, is a beautifully restored rail station with ornate NP yin-yang monad logos on its exterior, that today houses a railroad museum from approximately May through September. The Yellowstone Gateway Museum documents regional history from one of the oldest North American archaeological sites to Wild Western and Yellowstone history. The International Fly Fishing Federation's museum is an extensive introduction to a popular game sport and hosts annual enthusiasts meetings. The town was inhabited for two decades by Calamity Jane and visited by adventurous traveling members of European royalty. Today it is a small art haven, filming location (A River Runs Through It, The Horse Whisperer, Rancho Deluxe, and others), fishing destination, railroad town, and writers' and actors' colony. Actors Peter Fonda, Margot Kidder, as well as Saturday Night Live alumnus Rich Hall and musician Ron Strykert call the town home. Jimmy Buffett mentions Livingston in multiple songs.

Its economy is booming, the unemployment rate is well below the national and state average. A small proportion of its workforce commutes to Bozeman, Montana, the destination resort Chico Hot Springs some twenty-five miles south, and various campsites and ranches in the high-value area of Paradise Valley. Recently, the town has invested much time and money into creating attractions and accommodations for tourists visiting during the Lewis and Clark bicentennial years.

Want more Livingston, Montana History? Click here for History of Park County, Hunter Hot Springs Mystery Photo & Buffalo Bill's Wild West Story. Thanks to Wikipedia and the Livingston Chamber of Commerce for the information.