Item: The History of a Bridle, ca. 1900
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Finding Aid Title: The History of a Bridle, ca. 1900
Finding Aid Collection Number: 1172
Date Range of Collection: 1900
Creator of Materials: Anonymous
Content Description: "The History of a Bridle" is a narrative of Montana's vigilante activity starting in 1864, although it appears the document was composed much later in the nineteenth or early twentieth century. The unknown author, writing in the first person, describes his trip from Denver to Virginia City in the spring of 1864 in company with a mule train laden with supplies for a mercantile operation. At one point of this journey the author claims to have ridden on the overland stage line and identifies "Rowdy Pete" as his driver. After working a claim in German Gulch, the author describes a horseback trip to Atchison, Kansas in 1865, and his return to Helena, Montana in 1866. The narrative thereafter describes a great deal of vigilante activity primarily in the Helena area, although the chronology of the events is not always apparent. Most of the participants are identified by initials only, and their organization is identified as the "3-7-77 Committee." The essay apparently takes its title from the description of a hair bridle fashioned by an outlaw named "Henry" serving his sentence in the territorial prison. The original essay and its typed transcription have been placed in separate folders.
Finding Aid URL: http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv08059
Keywords: montana, vigilante, helena, virginia city, pioneers
Subjects: Montana History
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