Big Timber got its name in 1806 from a railroad official
who read the journals of William Clark. In his writings, Clark mentioned
the giant cottonwood trees that grew near the area called "Rivers
Across." The name stuck and Big Timber grew to be a thriving
sheep ranching community. At one point, Big Timber exported more
wool than any other city in the United States. Today, Big Timber
is a successful agricultural community with a population of just
under 2,000.
Prairie land borders Big Timber (elevation 4089 feet),
to the north and east sides, while the west and south are dominated
by majestic mountains. Granite Peak, the highest peak in Montana
at 12,799 feet, is a part of the Absaroka Mountain Range. The Boulder
Mountains to the south, and the Crazy Mountains just north of Big
Timber, offer spectacular hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. Blue
ribbon trout fishing on the Yellowstone River and the Boulder River
attracts anglers from all over the country.
Residents of the area take pride in their work whether
it's ranching or the service jobs that keep this quaint town moving.
The Grand Hotel is a fully restored 1890's saloon which also boasts
some of the finest locally grown beef and lamb and also offers lodging.
Notable residents of the area include Tom Brokaw (jouranalist, author),
Michael Keaton (actor), Tom McGuane (author), and Brent Musburger
(sportscaster).