Western Heritage Center Exhibition
Equally Different: Uncovering the History of Disability
2025 Student Contest: “Every Body Counts”
Past Contests
The city of Billings shares the heritage of many urbanized western towns that grew up along newly laid railroad tracks. After the Northern Pacific Railroad built its transcontinental line through the Yellowstone Valley, the Minnesota and Montana Land Improvement Company platted the town site of Billings in March of 1882. The town flanked the railroad right-of-way, with Montana Avenue north of the tracks, and Minnesota Avenue to the south. Much of the Billings’ growth, including the railroad depot, major churches, Billings City Hall and Yellowstone County Courthouse, was north of the tracks. North 28th Street was renamed North Broadway and became the center for development in the early 1900s.
The history of Billings is tied to the railroad, not only for its namesake, Northern Pacific railroad president Frederick Billings, but also because the railroad spurred the settlement by homesteaders of what was considered by outsiders as an uninhabitable landscape. The “Magic City” quickly grew, “like mushrooms after a rain,” into a bustling commercial center. By 1900, the population of Billings had reached 3,221 and then tripled to over 10,000 in 1910. Entrepreneurs and land-seeking homesteaders flooded into the Yellowstone Valley. Billings, with connections to Chicago, Seattle, Denver, and Omaha, established itself as a regional railroad hub and distribution point for goods shipping into and out of the Yellowstone Valley.
Billings Historic Landmarks Interactive Map
Map developed by the Western Heritage Center in partnership with the Yellowstone Historic Preservation Board, a local Certified Local Government (CLG) Program. Special Thanks to our content partners: Billings Historic Depot, Billings Schools, Healthy by Design, Moss Mansion, St. Patricks Co-Cathedral, and Widmyer Corp.
Aerial view of Minnesota Avenue after 1902. See Garfield School in the distance.
Explore the South Siders traveling exhibit as it highlights the lesser recognized side of the city of Billings. When the city was established, the railroad built the tracks in the center of town, creating two distinct sections; civic development was pushed north, and blue collar work and minority groups were pushed south. Explore the rich history, diversity, and stories of south side Billings.
Virtual exhibit provided with support from Healthy by Design.
Special thanks to the Billings Public Library.
Bees are the world’s greatest pollinators and contribute to 1/3 of the food we consume. Without them, plants could not grow and fruit could not rip-en. They play a vital role in the entire ecosystem as they pollinate flower plants. In return, these plants feed all kinds of animals and insects. Learn the history of bee-keeping in Montana.
Exhibited at the Western Heritage Center during Summer 2020
This exhibit was developed at the height of the COVID-19 quarantine and was launched in May 2020.
Quarantine life is unsettling. Unable to make plans for the future, uncertainty is normal. Many are turning to artistic expression to cope. As a community-centered institution, the Western Heritage Center works to create a space of interaction and community engagement. This exhibit features a variety of artworks and styles from quarantined Montanans of all ages.
Art in Isolation: Response to COVID-19 illustrates Montanan’s response to the COVID-19 Crisis. During the Self-Isolation directive, community artists ranging in age from 5 months to 91 years directed their time into creative outlets to help process the emotions of this unprecedented time in human history.
The exhibit includes photography, poetry, paintings, sculptures, collages, fabric, and more.
The views and opinions expressed in this online exhibit do not represent those of the Western Heritage Center.
If you enjoyed this exhibit, please consider supporting the Western Heritage Center as we continue to serve our community.
Artwork created by Montana artists in response to the COVID-19 Crisis.
The views and opinions expressed in this online exhibit do not represent those of the Western Heritage Center.
Artwork created by Montana artists in response to the COVID-19 Crisis.
The views and opinions expressed in this online exhibit do not represent those of the Western Heritage Center.
Artwork created by Montana artists in response to the COVID-19 Crisis.
The views and opinions expressed in this online exhibit do not represent those of the Western Heritage Center.
Artwork created by Montana artists in response to the COVID-19 Crisis.
The views and opinions expressed in this online exhibit do not represent those of the Western Heritage Center.
Artwork created by Montana artists in response to the COVID-19 Crisis.
The views and opinions expressed in this online exhibit do not represent those of the Western Heritage Center.
