Bridger, MT (Town)

Bridger is a Carbon County town on the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone, named for scout Jim Bridger even though the first settlers reportedly wanted to call it George Town. The post office dates to 1898, and U.S. 310 plus the old Chicago, Burlington and Quincy line still trace the town's transportation story. The Bridger Trail runs southeast toward the Clarks Fork, part of the route used by travelers heading toward Montana gold country. Bridger Public Schools carry the Scouts name from kindergarten through 12th grade, and the Pryor Mountain Wind Project now occupies a modern piece of the landscape south of town. Bridger is a compact river town with trail, rail, and wind on the same horizon.