Historic Stage Stop - Opinion Editorial

Dear Stillwater County News Editor,

The Countryman stagecoach stop was an important part of local history because it represents the first shipping point for people, goods, and mail in this area. Our community needs a sign to tell the story of the stage stop so that people know that this is how Columbus, Montana, was built.

This stage stop was built by Horace Countryman and today is known as the Stage Stop Ranch, owned by Jason Williams. We have done some excavation and found horseshoes, bullets, hinges, and a gun barrel. Today there is just the outline of the building foundation.

Stillwater County should put up a sign to let people know about what was here. The sign should be put on the West Hill. This is a great location for people to see what was there and what it is now. It's important to connect the stories of history to the places they happened. The sign should be put on the top of West Hill because it gives a good overview of the land. Visitors there can see the shallow spots in the river where the stagecoach went through to get to the stage stop. The sign should include some pictures, a map, and information on the history.

People may ask that is it worth the money to put this sign up. This will cost some money, but it will bring in more tourists too.

Sincerely,

Kolson Evig-Williams, Columbus, 321-3194