Homesteading

Jeff and I got married in June. We moved all my belongings up here and are now starting a life together raising wheat, barley, cattle, and hay.

But that's not where our story truly begins.  We would not be here and this place would not be what it is if not for the homesteaders that started it all, and the family tradition of farming and land stewardship that continues to pass down.

A tremendous synopsis of the homesteading history of the Hi-Line and the connection to that history that keeps people around (or coming back) is found in the most current issue of National Geographic.  The story, by David Quammen, and photographed by William Albert Allard, is titled, "Riding Out Another Season."  Copies of the magazine are scarce around here, with so many people sweeping them off the shelves. If you have not read the article, I strongly suggest you pick up a copy, or read it here: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/01/northern-montana/quammen-text.

One of my favorite photos from the article, by William Albert Allard.
As with most National Geographic articles, the photos were tremendous. 

Many of the farms and ranches in this area were formed in the early 20th century.  The Bangs farm was homesteaded beginning in 1910 when Laura Etta Smalley, Jeff's Great-Grandmother, filed her claim.  She "proved up," or earned her patent to the land in 1914.  That was the same year she married Will Bangs, who was a neighboring homesteader.  They combined their land and passed it down through the family to their son, Ken Bangs, who succeeded the land to his son, Tom, who is Jeff's dad. Jeff and I are now working on the farm with Tom, in addition to working some of our own leased land.

The National Geographic article is great as a broad overview.  A more personal account by Laura Etta Smalley Bangs can be found in the book Montana Women Homesteaders: A Field of One's Own.  Again, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a little more history about Montana, or anyone who wants to read about some strong and persevering women, or anyone who wants a little bit of Bangs family history, or if you're just looking for a good read.

Jeff and I feel very lucky to be able to continue the family tradition of farming and ranching.  Many family's succession stories are not so great as our own has been.  We are privileged to be in the position we are, and hope to carry it on into the future.