Legends of the West: 3 Famous Cowboys of Montana

When you think of the Old West, one of the first thing that probably comes to mind is cowboys. The West is littered with legends, but who were some of Montana's most famous cowboys?

Beaver Nelson

Monroe "Beaver" Nelson, how could you not be famous with a name like that? He was raised in Gallatin Valley, Montana. Beaver became famous riding as a foreman for the Two Dot Wilson Cattle Company and was the subject of many paintings by Charlie Russell. In true cowboy fashion, Beaver was also involved in one of Bozeman's biggest shoot-outs in 1879.

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If you'd like to read more about the tales of Monroe "Beaver" Nelson, check them out HERE.

Teddy Blue Abbott

He may have been born in England, but Teddy Blue Abbott left an indelible mark on Montana. His life journey was so significant that Time-Life Books created a documentary in 1993 about his memoir.

He made the journey from Texas to Montana, pushing cattle in 1871, 1879, 1881, and 1883. In, 1889 he started his own ranch, The Three Deuce, about 13 miles east of Lewiston, Montana. He was also good friends with Charlie Russell, Calamity Jane, and other notable historical figures.

Read more about his journey HERE

Long George Francis

George Francis got the nickname "Long George" because he was a staggering 6'6" tall. When paired with his high-heeled riding boots and high Stetson hat... it's easy to see how he got the name. He was noted as being a sharp-dressed man and carried a fancy nickel-plated pistol at all times.

He didn't only look at the part, though. He was known for being a horse trainer, trader, cattleman, and he competed in rodeos. But the horse trading would be his demise...

He developed a reputation as a horse thief and was eventually convicted. In true outlaw fashion, instead of showing up to his sentencing, he rode off into the Bears Paw Mountains and went into hiding.

If you want the full story, you can check it out HERE.

This is just a short list of the many infamous cowboys that roamed these lands, each of whom carried the true spirit of the West. Which Cowboys should we highlight next?!

Credit: Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame