By Renae Counter Explorebigsky.com Editorial Assistant
BIG TIMBER – Last month the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center announced its fifth class of inductees into the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Peter F. Karst of Gallatin Gateway and James W. “Cap” Overstreet of Gallatin and Madison counties were both selected as recipients of the Legacy Award, which goes to people who made notable contributions to Montana heritage and culture up until 1980, but have since passed away.
Karst was credited for many accomplishments in Gallatin County including Karst Stage, the Karst Ranch and his work as a prospector of commercial asbestos, which Karst called “Karstolite.” He was an entrepreneur, dude rancher, stage owner, prospector and lover of Montana.
Overstreet was best known for his skills as a horse trainer and ranch hand in both Madison and Gallatin counties. Overstreet also trained some of the American Polo Team’s finest ponies. His ability to herd, rope and separate cattle from horseback made him famous among his peers.
Both men were awarded the MCHF Legacy Award, along with 24 other cowboys from all 12 districts in Montana. Eleven cowboys were selected for the MCHF Living Award.
Since its first round of inductions in 2008, there have been 147 inductees into the MCHF. For full biographies, visit montanacowboyfame.com. The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center is set to be built in Big Timber.
National Day of the American Cowboy
THE WEST – Circle it on your calendar: July 28 will be National Day of the American Cowboy thanks to a bipartisan proposal co-sponsored by Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester.
The two backed a resolution alongside other Western Senators to designate July 28 in honor of the role cowboys played in establishing the American West and its strong ranching traditions.
Saturday, July 28, 2012 will be the eighth annual designation of National Day of the American Cowboy. U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, who served Wyoming in the United States Senate from 1995-2007, started the tradition of naming the fourth Saturday in July “National Day of the American Cowboy” in 2005.
The National Day of the American Cowboy campaign was founded by American Cowboy magazine in 2004 to preserve, protect and promote cowboy and Western heritage and celebrate the national calendar honoring cowboys and cowgirls for their enduring contribution to the courageous, pioneering spirit of America.
