Montana

In this case, the entire massive place is meant, all of a piece. This vast terrain has some variation, but is predominately grasslands. This land was claimed by the white man, and by the American government in the 1800s. There were concerted efforts to have it settled: homesteads were offered.

Homesteaders entered the region in the 1870s. The going was quite tough, actually. Within 50 years the conclusion was made that it was usable as ranch land, but not everyone could manage that.

By the midst of the twentieth century, there was a relatively small number of ranchers, and those who worked the ranches. While a sore disappointment for many homesteaders- because it left them landless rather than landed, it has been the only way so far found to work in that region.

There is a large proportion of ethnic Scottish people there, amongst the immigrants.

The main...