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First Montana Territory Assembly at Bannack 1864 Review
The article recounts the December 1864 opening of Montana Territory’s first legislative assembly at Bannack, noting the venue’s rough conditions, the early lawmakers led by Governor Edgerton, and the mix of laws focused on mines, water rights, roads, and ferry charters. It highlights figures like John H. Shober, James Bridger, and Captain W. W. DeLacey, plus the era’s minimal funds and emerging public institutions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Legislative Assembly OF
Montana Territory
Bannack
Poossesson
Council
Legislative Assembly
Treasure
John H. Shober
Helena
Rocky Mountains
Yankton
Dakota
Montana
Shober
Bannack City
X. Beidler
Munson
Sidney Edgerton
Territory
Territorial Legislative Assembly
Cauteau County
Fort Benton
Missouri River
Rocky Interior
Dawson
Big Horn
House of Representatives
Sheaverhead
William Faulds
Andrew Smith
Deer Lodge
James Stuart
Lorenzo P. Williston
Supreme Court of
Beaverhead
Frank M. Thompson
Ebenezer D. Leavitt
Madison
Charles
Edgerton
Messrs. Thompson, Bagg and
Merri- Man
Potter
Legislative Assembly of the
Territory of
Smith
Stewart
Legislative Council of
Territory of Montana
Thompson
Baggs
Merriman
Big Horn River
Big Horn Canyon
Pompey’s Tower
Yellowstone Canyon
Yellowstone
Erickson
Committee On Ways and Means
Mellon
Sol
Bagg
Special Joint Committee
House
W. W. DeLacey
W. W. DeLacy
Oregon
Washington
Idaho
Judiciary Committee
Mr. Smith
Council Chamber
Legislative Coucil
Jim Bridger
James
James Bridger
Robert Hereford
Yellowstone River
Bridger
Worden
Missoula
Virginia City
Silver Bow
Hell Gate
Fort Owen
Stevensville
Willow Creek
Jocko
Committee On Federal Relations
Montana Post
John Buchanan
M. M. Manner
St. Louis
Salt Lake City
Reno
Nev
Alder Gulch