OUR VIEWPOINT: HOLD ON TO OUR HISTORY
Annie Wooden, Sanders County Ledger | Mar 26, 2026
I often will joke that the only history I know is David Thompson and of course, Lewis and Clark. Montana’s history is fairly young compared with the rest of the world, but it doesn’t mean it’s less interesting.
I was fascinated by the information Shaun Deller shared at the Grange last week for Kaniksu Land Trust’s stewardship presentation. What fascinated me even more was how much I already knew. In seventh grade, Mr. Holleran had us memorize the counties, rivers and mountain ranges in Montana. It’s knowledge I boasted about long after I was out of college. I can’t quite remember them all now that I am nearing half a century of life, but I was surprised at how many David Thompson and fur trade facts I recalled while listening to Deller last week. I was also surprised that I learned some new things. I was glad that he detailed the importance of women in the fur trade, with Deller saying they did a lot to “keep everyone alive.” I also was surprised at how David Thompson’s maps were relevant into the early 20th century.
