Montana's Benton Road

This new release from Pine Rim Publishing contains stories of the construction, freighting, stage coaching, natural disasters and Indian problems along the road from Helena to Fort Benton, Montana, navigational head of the Missouri River. First crafted by Captain John Mullan, between 1859 and 1862, as part of the Mullan Road from Fort Benton, Montana to Walla Walla, Washington, this dusty trail became the major transportation route from Fort Benton to Helena and goldfields to the south and west. Unlike many roads in the Wild West, the Benton Road route suffered more from natural disasters than from the threat of Indian attacks or holdups. This fact might have been due to the swift retaliation to overt acts by the military and vigilante elements. The severe winters, sudden rain storms resulting in devastating floods, and wear and tear on the road itself, as the result of heavy traffic, took a higher toll in lives and property than could possibly have been inflicted by humans. Nevertheless, there are many interesting and touching stories concerning the people who lived along, used, built or maintained this scenic route through Northern Montana.Hanchett, Leland J., Jr. is the author of 'Montana's Benton Road', published 2008 under ISBN 9780963778598 and ISBN 0963778595.