The Sweetgrass Hills : A Natural And Cultural History

This concise but wide-ranging study examines the Sweetgrass Hills of northern Montana from both natural and cultural perspectives. Across a series of short, focused essays, the author traces the changing names of the hills and their depiction on maps over time, before turning to the region’s geology, climate, soils, and plant and animal life. The cultural sections address human engagement with the hills, including occasional discussion of First Nations perspectives and traditional uses, as well as accounts of mining activity at Gold Butte, the presence of the U.S. Army, and the role of the North West Mounted Police. Later chapters touch on agriculture in the surrounding area and the association of artist Charles M. Russell with the hills.