The backdrop for many movies and books, the spectacular setting of Livingston and its neighboring environs is truly worthy of the name “Paradise Valley.” Surrounded by the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area and the Gallatin and Crazy Mountains, Livingston inspires artist-residents and vacationers with panoramic views in every direction. The pristine Yellowstone River flows from its headwaters deep within Yellowstone National Park right through town. With the original and only year-round entrance to Yellowstone National Park in its backyard, Livingston is a historic gateway to the nation’s first National Park.

The character of Livingston is still evolving although the past is very present. Early Yellowstone River basin wanderers included the Crow Native American tribe and Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Trappers also inhabited the area actively seeking their fortune in beaver pelts.  In 1863, gold was discovered in Emigrant Gulch. A year later, John Bozeman opened a new road that passed through Livingston which shortened the distance between Fort Laramie and Western Montana gold towns by several hundred miles.

The Northern Pacific Railway influenced Livingston’s inception and location in 1882 when they planned a service stop for trains ascending the Bozeman Pass. Livingston, originally named Clark City, was renamed after a Northern Pacific executive. In 1887, Park County (Livingston is the county seat) was created by Montana’s territorial legislature; the name a reference to Yellowstone National Park.