Who is Charley Pike?

In the spring of 1881, at age 28, “Charley’s” great-grandad looked West toward Montana. He settled his affairs in Connecticut and caught a train ending up in Bismarck, ND. From there he boarded the Far West—the steamboat’s first trip up the Missouri River that year. After landing at Fort Benton, he rode a stagecoach to Grass Range where he found a job herding sheep—and where he eventually homesteaded, formed a family and began a lifelong career ranching and farming in central Montana.

Charley's life has been a diverse and adventurous journey, encompassing various roles and experiences. From being a logger, cowboy, teacher, rancher, guide, writer, angler, hunter, horseshoer, politician, traveler, businessman, carpenter, preacher, and more, he has embraced a multitude of professions and passions.

Throughout his life, Charley has engaged in activities such as building fences and barns, branding calves, making wine, and enjoying whiskey and beer, although he has never smoked pot!

He’s broke colts, been throwed, broke bones, and broke hearts. He’s been concussed and cussed, fought cancer, fought fires, lost fights, lost money, tended camp and mended scrapes.

Charley has also embarked on countless journeys, wearing out nearly a dozen pickup trucks carrying #50, #38, #7, #6, #2, #4, #36 and #3 Montana license plates along the way. With family and friends scattered across Montana, he’s bound to run into a old pal or a relative in just about any bar in any town!

Now, he believes it is time to share anecdotes, stories, perspectives, and experiences from the past and present. And, it’s safe to say Charley will even offer some predictions for the future of Montana and Montanans.

Charley’s goal is to help visitors and natives alike navigate the state, dispel myths, and above all, entertain his readers.

In what Charley shares you won’t find the typical “God’s Country” romance or the ubiquitous “Last Best Place” rhetoric. Charley's portrayal of Montana is authentic, encompassing both its beauty and ugliness, its fun and controversy, and everything in between. By the way, Charley still calls it “The Treasure State”—the real nickname!

He acknowledges that not everyone will agree with his views, but he hopes that his followers will respect the right to have differing opinions and recognize that insight is not absolute.

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