Voices of the Trail
Witnessing History through Multimedia
Stories, Perspectives, and Legacies of the Bozeman Trail
The Bozeman Trail lives on not only through maps and landmarks but also through the voices of those who walked its path, fought for its lands, and remembered its stories. Here you’ll find a collection of films, interviews, and firsthand accounts — from emigrant diaries and Native perspectives to modern historians and advocates — each adding depth to the story of this historic corridor.
Highlights include:
Montana PBS Special: A Rush to Montana’s Gold
Native perspectives from Bill Yellowtail & Joe Medicine Crow
Emigrant diaries, including the Thomas Party’s journey
Historian insights into the Fetterman Fight and Bozeman’s legacy
Montana PBS Special: A Rush to Montana's Gold - Uncovering the Stories of the Bozeman Trail
Step into the past with ‘A Rush to Montana’s Gold,’ a captivating Montana PBS Special that delves into the tumultuous history of the Bozeman Trail. Join us as we journey back in time to uncover the stories of courage, conflict, and discovery that shaped the trail’s legacy. Watch as historians, descendants, and experts explore the trail’s impact on Montana’s history and the lives of those who traversed its rugged path. Gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in the American West as we unearth the untold tales of the Bozeman Trail.
Bozeman, The Trail and the Man, by Mary Ellen McWilliams
It would be hard to overestimate the lure of gold in our country’s history. Northwest Georgia, where the Bozeman family lived, was a major gold
Who Killed John Bozeman? by Renee Carlson
The Mysterious Death of John Bozeman 154 years ago, on April 20th, 1867, John Bozeman left this earthly plane under mysterious circumstances. After leaving his
Diary Excerpts: The Thomas Party’s Harrowing Journey on the Bozeman Trail
Tragic Encounter: The Fate of the Thomas Party William K. Thomas, accompanied by his young son Charley and their driver Joseph Schultz, made the decision
Bill Yellowtail Reflects on the Bozeman Trail and Native Perspectives
In this video, Bill Yellowtail, a member of the Crow Tribe and former Montana State Senator, shares insights into the history and cultural significance of
Joe Medicine Crow Talks about the Arrow Creek Fight
Joe Medicine Crow, a respected Crow historian and World War II veteran, recounts the Arrow Creek Fight, detailing the events and implications of this significant
On the Tracks of the Bozeman Trail
This documentary retraces the original path of the Bozeman Trail, exploring its historical context, the challenges faced by travelers, and its impact on the westward
Advocating for the Bozeman Trail as a National Historic Trail
Advocates discuss the efforts and processes involved in achieving the designation of the Bozeman Trail as a National Historic Trail, highlighting its historical importance and
Fetterman Fight 1866: A Pivotal Battle in Red Cloud’s War
This video provides a detailed account of the Fetterman Fight of 1866, where Captain William J. Fetterman and his entire command were killed in a
Bob Wilson Explores the Strategies Behind the Fetterman Fight
Historian Bob Wilson offers an in-depth analysis of the Fetterman Fight, examining the strategies, key figures, and aftermath of this pivotal conflict between the U.S.
The Fetterman Fight: Sterling Finn and Sioux Joe Marshall in Conversation
Sterling Finn and Joe Marshall, a Sioux historian, discuss the Fetterman Fight, providing perspectives from both historical research and Native American oral traditions to offer
Ron Garritson on the History and Legacy of the Bozeman Trail
Historian Ron Garritson delves into the history of the Bozeman Trail, exploring its creation, usage, and the conflicts it spurred, as well as its lasting
Diary Excerpts:The Tragic Journey of the Thomas Party
In 1866, William Thomas, his young son Charley, and their driver Joseph Schultz embarked on a journey from southern Illinois to Montana’s Gallatin Valley. They
Drone Journey Along the Historic Bozeman Trail
Discover the Trail’s Legacy from a New Perspective Video Footage by Ryan Willett Experience the breathtaking landscapes and enduring legacy of the Bozeman Trail through
“Forensic Study”: Historians create Montana Travel Map for Bozeman Trail
By Brett French — Lee Newspapers (Billings Gazette) • Oct 21, 2025 Montana history buffs can drive the Bozeman Trail with Billings historian Ralph Saunders