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

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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

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I 12 Bozeman and MSU at the foot of the Bridgers

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Charron Bozeman is unique in the sense that so many types of recreation, from theatre to skiing, are available on a daily basis. Both Glacier and Yellowstone National Park are only a few hour’s drive from the campus. Historical sites, museums, art galleries, camping, hunting, fishing and rafting are just a few other attractions in the valley. Nearby communities such as Livingston, Butte, Helena, Billings, Great Falls, Helena (the state capitol) and Missoula are only a few hours away. Ski resorts also do their share in drawing a large number of students to MSU. Students can get involved in many extracirricular activities, many of which are sponsored by MSU. These include day trips, discounts at a variety of events and concerts, and many other activities too numerous to mention here. The student is also invited to join local community organizations ranging from Big Brothers to the VF W. Student participation is also sought in community symphony and theatre offerings. Students should be aware of the fact that Bozeman, and the surrounding area, is traditionally rural and conservative. Raucous activity by students can reflect poorly on the individual and the university when conduct becomes less than what is normally accepted in the community. The student is welcomed to the community with open arms, but he or she is just as swiftly rejected by permanent residents when the line of proper conduct is crossed. Bozeman, for the most part, is similar to the community most students left to attend MSU. It is relatively small to some, but it offers many cosmopolitan attractions to the student. The student’s time at MSU, as a student and resident of Bozeman, can be as rewarding and fulfilling as anyone could desire. Fresh air, beautiful mountains, clear running rivers and warm people make up a large part of the feeling of contentment in Bozeman. Welcome... Ken Weaver - Mayor of Bozeman Since the founding of the university in 1893, the lives of succeeding generations of Bozeman residents and students have been intertwined in every imaginable way including Bobcat athletics, housing, commerce, cultural and social events, and even politics. We can all take pride in our history because growth in the community and in the university has been accompanied by a determination to work together to avoid the “town-gown” problems that have fractured so many other college towns. In fact, MSU and Bozeman have an enviable record of whole hearted and generous cooperation in every facet of our shared community and campus life. Bozeman was fortunate to have been selected as the home of Montana State University and the students of our university are fortunate indeed to be in a “hometown” environment offering so many excellent recreational activities, employment opportunities and support services. MSU and Bozeman have gained nationwide and perhaps even international recognition for a lifestyle unmatched anywhere in the United States. Both elements of our community must continue to work and serve together if we are to protect and enhance that lifestyle for future generations of MSU students. On behalf of the City of Bozeman, I extend our best wishes and Godspeed to the graduates of the Class of 1984 and a warm-hearted welcome to our new and continuing students. 14 Downtown Bozeman, 1917