Clarks Fork Valley Museum

Sheep ranching arrived in Montana during the 1870s, peaking in the 1890s. At that time, it was estimated that Montana boasted 2,352,886 sheep, with Carbon County alone hosting 171,583 sheep. Shepherds embraced a nomadic way of life, and the sheep wagon allowed them to navigate the plains with ease while providing protection from the elements. Historically, these wagons were often shared among entire families, serving as compact homes of the era.

This extraordinary artifact, previously utilized by Johnny Reicher on the Two Bear Ranch east of Fromberg and grazing areas in Pryor, Montana, stands as a significant testament to sheep ranching's crucial role in our state's growth. These iconic wagons served as essential mobile residences for shepherds, driving Montana's early agricultural and economic development. They provide a distinctive and enlightening glimpse into the creativity and resilience that helped shape our state. We believe this exhibit will be a fascinating highlight for all our visitors.