Sweet Grass Hills

The beautiful grass spot with its wide curls and light green is an area that was sacred to different Native American tribes which were very connected spiritually to the area. But ownership and power go hand in hand with politics, therefore in 1885, after gold was discovered near Middle Butte, the Sweet Grass Hills were declared by U.S. government public land and were taken back from Blackfeet.

Silver, gold, iron, copper and marble were fought over by several companies. But this land was to be even richer than it seemed. Oil was discovered in the 1920s, turning the area in a huge catch. After this commercial boom, which apparently decreased in the 1990s, another mining company claimed the right to mine for gold, but this time using cyanide leach, provoking a very dangerous process. Although a 20-year moratorium was imposed after environmentalist and the Blackfeet tribe took action, the legal fight is not over yet.

But these Sacred Mountains of Montana, visible 80 km away on Highway 2, are more than just a very rich offering natural treasure. This beautiful grassy landscape is home of the endangered peregrine falcon and threatened elk and dear. The Sweet Grass Hills are located between the Milk River and the Canadian border. The main water source for northern Montana is the Marias River, but because of the abuses that were made in the area this one is as well endangered.

Despite all the intemperance that wounded the area, these hills are a beautiful site to see. While some seek gold, you are invited to see one of the exposed but very beautiful sites in the world.