Bozeman Magazine

The African American community in historic Bozeman is nearly invisible until you begin to examine the historic census records, newspaper accounts, and city directories. Only then do Bozeman’s black citizens come into focus. One name leads to another and soon a tight knit and thriving African American community emerges during the late 19th century. Working as machinists, laborers, laundresses, housekeepers, and porters, Bozeman’s Africa American people contributed to the building of our city through their labor, religious activity, child rearing, social clubs and community participation. Join us as we follow these founding families and uncover a history that has been silent for over a hundred years.