Creating Fiction from History: 12/21/2022

Mary Ann McGee was born to William and Margaret McGee on November the 8th, 1889, which, incidentally, was the day when Montana gained statehood.

Where Mary started her life on this Earth is not so important to our story as where she ended up and might have become. Both second-generation Irish immigrants, Mary's parents were used to hard work, which was a good thing, for there was plenty to be done as our fledgling nation rounded the curve coming into the 20th century.

William had caught the gold bug back in the early 60s and with his young wife, followed the Montana Trail to Virginia City and Bannack. After working his claims in these areas for some time, Margaret finally convinced him to try his luck further north. Having heard of the strike at Last Chance Gulch, William and Margaret struck out for the growing city of Helena. On their journey, they just happened to pass through the environs of Milk Ranch. Though they continued to their destination, they had both fallen in love with the Jefferson Valley, so after quite a few years in the area around Helena, the McGees, with a very pregnant Margaret, decided to make their way back to Milk Ranch, which, thanks to the Railroad, was now known as Whitehall.

Mary, who may be pictured here at age 15, could well have gone on to be just one of the many female pioneers of politics in Montana.

If you would like to create fiction from history with one of the museum's photos, please contact the Ledger at (406) 287-5301 or email whledger@gmail.com.