Rosebud County Courthouse

The Northern Pacific Railroad founded Forsyth in 1882, where it built a small repair facility for its freight operations (the railroad primarily transported livestock at the time). The town grew quickly, boasting several businesses, two hotels, and even a ferry crossing the Yellowstone River. Unfortunately, the town suffered a setback in 1888 when a fire destroyed a number of buildings. It didn't fully recover until the early 1900s when new agricultural methods, including large-scale irrigation, were introduced to the area. Crop production (fruit, hay, vegetables, and grain) increased significantly. Another railroad company, the Milwaukee Road, arrived in area as well in 1908, spurring Forsyth's growth even more. As a result, Forsyth emerged as important economic center for the county, which was created in 1901 (it was later divided in 1913 and 1918).

The county's first courthouse was located in a wood-frame schoolhouse the county bought in 1906. Within a few years it became apparent that the schoolhouse was too small. To raise funds for the construction of the present courthouse, the County Commissioners sold $125,000 worth of bonds. The estimated cost for the courthouse was around $118,000. However, with the additional purchases of furniture, artwork, and landscaping, the cost increased to $173,000. A grand jury investigated the matter and the editor of the local newspaper took the commissioners to court. It seems that two were indicted but their cases were later dismissed.

Another interesting anecdote about the courthouse construction was about the contractor, Gray's Construction Company. The company's foreman, who was concerned that the county wouldn't pay the company the entire amount owed, refused to give the keys to the county. At one point, he apparently locked himself inside the building and hid between the ceiling and roof.

The Montana National Register Sign Program. “Rosebud County Courthouse.” Montana Historical Society - Digital Vault. Accessed July 16, 2020, http://digitalvault.mhs.mt.gov/items/show/21009.

Rice, Eldon & Mrs. Garfield, Russell M. "Rosebud County Courthouse." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. April 17, 1986. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/86000807_text