Founded in 1862 when gold was found in the surrounding mountains and the nearby Grasshopper Creek, Bannack served as the first capital of Montana Territory. With a gang of road agents allegedly responsible for over a hundred murders in the gold fields and surrounding highways, and a Vigilance Committee dealing out vigilante justice, the colorful history of Bannack embodies the Wild West romanticized in films. Today, it's preserved as a State Park and National Historic Landmark, where the remains of this once-bustling town serve as stark reminders of the contradictory—yet connected—facts of our own impermanence, and our lasting effect on the land.

This catalog edition was created with the intent to make art more accessible, with highlights from the full collection of images.