History

In the beginning, US Highway 191 leading to Big Sky was an Indian and wildlife thoroughfare: a rough route following steep grades and requiring several fords of the Gallatin River. In 1883, Gallatin County Commissioners hired a survey group to determine whether a road from Salesville (now Gallatin Gateway) to Yellowstone National Park, which had been established a decade earlier, would be feasible. A road from the Gallatin Valley to Taylor Fork was finally completed in August of 1898, and the rest, as they say, is history.  To read timeline highlights, click here.

The BSOA was created when the covenants of the three original Big Sky area subdivisions were recorded in 1971. BSOA has assumed many roles in its 30+ year history that reflect the growth and development of the community.

For a more complete chronology of the Big Sky area, the BSOA, and the Big Sky Resort, read Big Sky - From Indian Trails to the Tram, written by local authors Rick and Susie Graetz, July 2000. Copies are available at the Ophir School Library and the BSOA Office.