In January 1883, barely a month after the Northern Pacific Railroad (NPRR ) finished laying tracks to the "last crossing of the Yellowstone River," Minnesota's Winona Daily Republican proclaimed Livingston as the "future great city of the Yellowstone." With the arrival of the NPRR in 1882, the town boomed as it became the division headquarters for the railroad. Its future secured by the largest machine shops and roundhouse west of Minnesota, Livingston rapidly grew from frontier town to progressive city. By late 1883, its downtown area of substantial brick buildings housed more than 100 businesses, and supported a residential area of 2,000 stalwart citizens. Situated at the junction of the Northern Pacific branch to Yellowstone National Park, Livingston hosted the majority of the early tourist trade to "America's Wonderland of the West."

Inspired by the rich history of Livingston and its surrounding areas, authors and Park County residents Elizabeth A. Watry and Robert V. Goss present this distinctive collection of historic photographs and postcards from the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, Livingston, Montana; the Pioneer Museum, Bozeman, Montana; and various private collections. Researching the area's more obscure historical stories, they have compiled this engaging journey through the memorable but forgotten yesteryears of Livingston, Montana.