Treasure State Tycoon: Nelson Story and the Making of Montana

John C. Russell, a graduate of the history department at Montana State University and the former director of the Gallatin Historical Society in Bozeman, discusses and signs his new book.
Newly released by the Montana Historical Society Press, Treasure State Tycoon recounts the remarkable life of Nelson G. Story, a colorful and contradictory figure whose influence on Montana’s development was profound and rivaled by few others in its history.
After striking it rich in the goldfields of Alder Gulch, Story drove the first herd of cattle from Texas to the territory that would ultimately become the Treasure State. He went on to build a commercial empire of diverse interests, the success of which relied both on his determination and ingenuity as well as his penchant for fraud and deceit.
Story’s reputation for ruthlessness in both his personal and professional conduct was well earned, but he was also a generous philanthropist, supporting local churches, schools, and other civic improvements. He tirelessly promoted the upstart community of Bozeman, playing a central role playing a central role in the establishment of today’s Montana State University.