The Southside of Billings, 1882-1940

Western Heritage Center staff interviewed and collected photographs from Billings “Southsiders” to build the museum’s historical collections and document the history of this understudied part of town. In "The Southside of Billings, 1882-1940," Western Heritage Center director Kevin Kooistra explores the significant people and places south of the railroad tracks in downtown Billings. Home to several immigrant groups and an African American community, the neighborhood developed a unique character centered on family, religion, and shared social bonds.