05/12/2026
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Original Nelson Story Mansion in Bozeman
Nelson Story was a pioneer Montana entrepreneur, cattle rancher, miner and vigilante, who was a notable resident of Bozeman, Montana. He participated in the 1866 cattle drive from Texas with approximately 1000 head of Texas Longhorns to Montana along the Bozeman Trail, the first major cattle drive from Texas into Montana. He became the town's first millionaire and in 1893 he played a prominent role in the establishment of the Agricultural College of the State of Montana by donating land and facilities.
He built the original Story Mansion which was finished in 1888 and was located on west Main Street in Bozeman. The mansion had three stories, a full basement and was steam-heated, gas-lit and had hot and cold running water.
The mansion became known as the finest house on the Northern Pacific’s route between Saint Paul and Seattle.
Due to financial difficulties the Story family sold the house to the county school district for $20,000 in 1936. The mansion was demolished in 1938.
Museum of the Rockies photo
Treasure State Lifestyles Montana
