Montana, 1864-1979
Abstract
Beginning in the 1870s, prior to Montana statehood, Jewish merchants settled in Billings, Butte, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, and Missoula. They established benevolent societies, cemeteries, B'nai B'rith chapters, and synagogues. Several Jews were mayors. Butte newspaper editor Charles C. Cohan authored the lyrics to "Montana," the state song. Joseph Soss built the capital building in Helena, completed iin 1902. The Jewish population increased with the discovery of oil in 1950 but declined by the late 1970s.
Dates
- 1864-1979
Extent
From the Collection: 2 Linear Feet (3 legal document boxes and 1 letter document box.)
Scope and Contents
Folder contains drafts of histories of Montana and articles on prominent Jews in Montana and a list of members of the United Hebrew Benevolent Association of Helena.
Creator
- From the Collection: University of Denver. Center for Judaic Studies. Ira M. Beck Memorial Collection of Rocky Mountain Jewish History (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository