Laurel, Montana
Laurel, the largest city in Montana that is not a county seat, is truly the
'Hub of Montana'. From here, all roads lead to the exciting, historical and
recreational attractions of Montana. To the south of Laurel, you can select
one of four outstanding entrances into Yellowstone National Park. Heading
east there is Billings, Pompeys Pillar and the Little Bighorn Battlefield.
North of Laurel is Canyon Creek where the battle between the Nez Perce
Indians led by Chief Joseph and the US Cavalry led by Col. Samuel Sturgis
took place.
The Chief Joseph Monument on the outskirts of Laurel rests where the
famous Nez Perce passed, leading his people toward Canada in 1877. At the
Canyon Creek Battlefield, the Nez Perce Indians fought a rear-guard action.
While the rest of the band escaped up the canyon, sharpshooters hidden in
the canyon wall kept the cavalry at bay. Led by Chief Joseph, Looking Glass,
Hush-Hush Cute and others, the Nez Perce were nearing the end of a
1,300-mile flight through Oregon, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, and
Montana.
There is a rich history that lends itself to Laurel. Riverside Park
located south of the Yellowstone River bridge was the site of the German
Prisoner of War Camp during World War II. The prisoners built the buildings
located in the park. Camping is available in the park. There are showers,
water and electricity hook-ups, tent spaces, horseshoe pits, and picnic
areas for a minimal fee. Laurel is home of the 1,000-mile check point for
Montana Rail Link between here and Sandpoint, Idaho. The town is rich with
railroad history, since the existence of Laurel is due in part to the
railroad.
The northside of Laurel developed with many businesses and homes. The
southside of Laurel was once called 'German Town' because this area was
settled by Volga River Germans who immigrated here. These people built their
homes to resemble their homes in Russia. These homes are still standing and
many have been restored. The eastside of Laurel became known as Railroad
Town and many railroaders walked to work over the walking overpass built
between the area and the Northern Pacific Car Shop and Roundhouse.
The name Laurel came from a name of a local shrub. One source of the name
was attributed to a railroad official from North Carolina who was working
here at the time, who named it for the Laurel shrub native to his state.
Laurel was originally named Carlton, but was changed in 1882. As time went
on, Laurel's location moved west a little. Crow indians were the area’s
inhabitants when Captain William Clark and his party explored the
Yellowstone River in 1806. Settlers were recorded in 1879. By 1888, the town
was forming and was incorporated in 1908, and a city council and mayor were
elected.
CAMPGROUND ACCOMMODATIONS IN LAUREL
Pelican RV Park: Pelican Truck Plaza is open year round for business and vacation travelers. It is a great stop on the route to Yellowstone Park via Beartooth Highway. We have an RV park with cabins and teepees along with a motel. There is a total of 40 RV sites. Red Barn Antiques is full to the rafters with collector’s treasures. We have a full service restaurant with homemade meals, soups and pies. Our gift shop features many Montana souvenirs along with a great selection of western wear and western home decor. If you are feeling lucky you may want to take a chance and win in our casino!!
Pelican RV Park
11360 S Frontage Road
Laurel, MT 59044
Phone: 406-628-4324
Local: 406-628-4324
Email: pelicantruckplaza@yahoo.com
|
