Interviewer
Ina Tascher
Files
Description
James “J. B.” Armstrong discusses the rise of sheep farming and the decline of the cattle ranching industry. He talks about the influx of sheep farmers in the early 20th century from California, Oregon, and Nevada to the Little Missouri River and Powder River areas. Armstrong discusses the conflicts that arose between sheep and cattle ranchers, which often resulted in violence. He describes the freight business where he worked in in 1908. Armstrong talks at length about a horse-riding contest and broncobusters who entered it. He also discusses the lifestyle of a cowboy and the clothing and gear they used. He recalls the evolution from free ranging cattle to establishing fenced operations to grow cattle feed. He talks about the winter of 1919. Armstrong discusses getting married and building a home on Plum Creek, South Dakota. He talks about other jobs he held as a trucker in South Dakota and surrounding areas.
This audio has not been transcribed, but a tape counter index is available.
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Document Type
Oral History
Subjects
Cowhands; Cattle ranchers; Range conflicts; Free range; Little Missouri River; Powder River; Pioneering; Montana; Plum Creek, South Dakota; Armstrong, James Bell, 1888-1971; Cowboys -- West (U.S.) – Interviews; Frontier and pioneer life -- Montana -- 20th century; Frontier and pioneer life -- South Dakota -- 20th century; Sheep farming -- Montana -- History -- 20th century; Sheep ranchers -- Violence against -- Montana -- History -- 20th century; Bronc riding; Cowboys – Competitions; Truck drivers -- South Dakota -- 20th century
Original Date
1-1-1957
Time Period
Twentieth century
Geographic Coverage
Montana
Language
eng
Original Collection
James Bell “J. B.” Armstrong Oral History Project, OH 034, Archives and Special Collections, Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula
Digital Publisher
University of Montana--Missoula. Mansfield Library
Rights
Copyright to this collection is held by the interview participants and by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula. Permission may be required for use. For further information please contact Archives and Special Collections: (406) 243-2053 / library.archives@umontana.edu
Oral History Number
OH 034-002
Media Type
Sound; Text
Original Format
1 reel-to-reel: analog + 1 tape counter index (6 p.: 28 cm)
Digital Format
audio/mp3; application/pdf
Run Time
02:08:41 minutes
Local Filename
OH_034_002.mp3; OH_034_002_TCI.pdf
Citation
Armstrong, James Bell, "James Bell "J. B." Armstrong Interview 2, 1957" (1957). James Bell “J. B.” Armstrong Oral History Project. 2.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/jamesbellarmstrong_oralhistory/2