We are beginning to document some of the storied history of the Ruby Valley and of Sheridan. Whether its about Robbers Roost, Sheriff Henry Plummers Gang or Harvard Universities investment in the Conrey placer mining company in Alder - this area encapsulates how the west was won.

May 26, 1864 Brandon Town misses by one vote

Brandon Town at the mouth of Mill Creek east of Sheridan, came within one vote of being the first capital of Montana Territory in 1865, during the wheeling and dealing of the 20 delegates assembled in Bannack for that purpose.

Brandon Town - complete article

Shoshoni Indians - As far as we can tell this area was frequented by the Shoshoni Indians. Perhaps as a summer hunting grounds. The Ruby River was at one time named the Passamari meaning "water of the cotton groves". Perhaps most well known of the Shoshoni tribe was Sacagawea, the Shoshoni women who helped Lewis and Clark on their momenteous journey. It was nearby at Beaverhead rock that she first recognized the land of her people. This photograph of a roadside marker can be found outside of Twin Bridges as you head west on Melrose Road. There are four rockpiles that mark what is thought ot be gravesites. About 1 mile out of town on the north side of the road.

1866