Montana State University Bozeman - Montanan Yearbook (Bozeman, MT)

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I 12 Bozeman and MSU at the foot of the Bridgers

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Charron

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 WELCOME TO BOZEMAN The site of Bozeman was first discovered by white men when Lewis and Clark walked through the valley during their explorations pf 1805-1807. Actual settlement of the community began in 1864 when the townsite was laid out by William Beall, Daniel Rouse and John Bozeman. Bozeman, for whom the town was named, was killed in 1867 allegedly by Indians. Fort Ellis was then established to provide protection to settlers and miners travelling the Bozeman Trail. Establishment of the fort also secured the future of the town. Continuing to grow through the Indian wars of the 1860s and 1870s, Bozeman was chosen as a stopping place for the railroad in 1867. This financial stability influenced the selection of Bozeman as the county seat. By 1883, Bozeman was firmly entrenched in the activities of the Gallatin Valley and the southwest region of Montana Territory. In 1892, when elections were held to determine the site of the state capitol, Bozeman was in the running along with Butte and Anaconda. Helena was eventually chosen as a compromise site and Bozeman was offered a consolation prize of being the home of either the state college or the state prison. Since the community had already designed Eighth Avenue as the boulevard to lead to the capitol building, the residents decided to accept the college since it could be placed on the same site. The state prison went to Deer Lodge. The first classes at the Montana Agricultural College were opened in April of 1893. Since that date, the school has grown from a small college with a student population of less than 12 to the state’s largest campus with a student population of more than 11,000. Along with the growth came a change of name...today, Montana State University carries on the traditions of the first school, offering bachelor degrees in 124 majors in 45 fields. Master’s degrees are offered in another 34 areas and 19 areas offer doctorates. According to statistics, Bozeman has a population of 35,000 and covers an area of 6.94 miles. By the year 2000 the population is expected to rise to nearly 53,000. The population is varied in professions and backgrounds; 35% is 19 years or younger, 20% is between 20 and 34,27% is between 35 and 64, and 9% is 65 and over. Those figures include the students at MSU. The city’s prime income (26%) comes from the university, followed by agriculture, railroading, manufacturing, the lumber industry and mining. Part-time employment for students is available in the area, but wages are low. Off-campus housing is the most common problem encountered by newly arrived students. Rental prices average $250 and go as high as $600 for dwellings accepting more than one student per apartment. Rooms, apartments and houses are available, either through one of the reputable rental or real estate agencies downtown, or through a housing directory service on campus. Stoltz 13