The Crow Indians

Long before the area was populated with fur-trappers, European immigrants who were looking to make a living as miners and ranchers, rodeo champions, skiers, and current outdoor enthusiasts, Carbon County served as the home to members of the Crow Nation.

Known as the Apsaalooke (which roughly translates to “Children of the Large Beaked Bird”) the Crow population was largely divided into smaller bands. They occupied the Powder and Yellowstone River Basins. A large domain was set aside for them in 1851, this was reduced by defined boundaries agreed to in the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868. Further land cessations were ratified in 1882 and 1892. The Crow are now relocated in their remaining territory centered around Crow Agency, Montana.

Although the native population currently resides about two hour drive from here, there is no denying that the aboriginal population left their mark in Carbon County. Crow land sale treaties and agreements also aided to the exploration, settling, and development of Carbon County.