The Cowboy Spirit Lives On: Cattle Drive Downtown Livingston

The Old West may seem like something that is no longer present in today's society, but some people hold firm in keeping its traditions alive.

This past Saturday, Feb. 15th, Livingston, Montana, witnessed a scene straight out of history as a herd of cattle made its way down W Park Street. It was a striking clash of past and present, a reminder that the cowboy way of life, though some consider fading, is far from gone.

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We all lined the street to watch; it was more than just a spectacle; it was a glimpse into a world that once defined the West. In an era where ranching faces new challenges, events like this serve as a tribute to the men and women who still live the cowboy life—a breed of people as rare as the way of life they fight to preserve.

The Jesson Ranch prepared early Saturday morning to move their cattle from the Wilsall area to their leased calving grounds, which span 8,000 acres on the other side of Livingston. The journey covers approximately 10 miles from Swingley Road to the south side of I-90.

Cattle drives on public roads are pretty standard in Montana, but it is not as common to see one go through a downtown area like Livingston.

The Jesson Ranch started doing the cattle drive through Livingston back in 2023. Before that, it went along a trail supported by the Park County Ranchers Marketing Association, but unfortunately, the association lost access, and Mr. Jesson was forced to go through town.

For those who were not aware of the ranchers' plans, it must have been a shock to see a herd of cattle running down W Park Street. But for many, it was a welcome reminder of Montana's deep ranching roots.

Credit: Livingston Enterprise