WELCOME ABOARD!

​The Monarch-Neihart Historical Group is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that was formed November 2012 to raise funds, and to preserve and promote the rich history of the settlers, miners, loggers and railroad industry in this region. Current work focuses on the old Monarch Great Northern Train Depot as a first restored asset to our scenic area. Our plan is for this depot to be a repository for written, oral, and artifact history to our region. 

We hope you hop on board and take a ride around to learn more about our history, and the progress we are making on our projects. 

2022 Events

• The Monarch Great Northern Railway train depot is open for public visits Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1:00-4:00 p.m. through September 18. Step back in time to experience train travel to Monarch and Neihart in the early 20th century:
  • When entering the waiting room, you can hear the telegraph operating in the Depot office.
  • Displays of Monarch and Neihart history are located in the freight room.
  • Check out the Depot agent's living quarters.
  • See the extensive Depot restoration project, which took seven years to complete.
  • Visit the Drover Car Caboose. This private car provided cooking, eating and sleeping space for cowboys traveling with livestock. 

        Private and group tours are available by calling 406-236-5377. Tours are FREE and donations are welcome.
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• Monarch Rocks! Join us August 13 for our annual fundraiser. Click here for the details. 

Neihart Fire Bell Tower

​It was with a great deal of excitement that MNHG was asked by the Town of Neihart to construct a replica of the Neihart fire bell tower. To learn more, and to donate to this very worthwhile cause, click here. 

The new bell tower on its side waiting for sandblasting and paint. 

We are happy to report that as of June 2022 we are making progress on the Bell Tower. We received a $1,000 grant from the Big Sky Country National Heritage Area for the tower. ADF is the supplier and fabricator. We have transportation lined up to get it from Great Falls to Neihart and we have a contractor lined up for construction of the sub-base. We hope to have it up in time for our Monarch Rocks! festival in August. 

The bell continues to be available for fundraising at various events in the Belt Creek Valley. Check out the photos here. ​

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have old photos of Monarch, Hughesville, Barker, Carpenter Creek or Neihart that you are willing to share with MNHG? Photos can be scans of buildings, people, scenery, wildlife or whatever. If so, please contact us. THANKS SO MUCH!