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Detailed plan of the Crow Indian Mission in Lodge Grass, Montana.
We date the map based upon the appearance of the Chivers Memorial Building, which was constructed on the Crow Indian Mission in Lodge Grass, Montana in 1927, under the direction of Reverend Petzoldt. The Custer Battlefield Highway, shown at the bottom was approved in 1919 and constructed between 1920 and 1930
In 1903, Dr. Elijah E. Chivers, the field secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, began efforts to establish a gospel mission among the Crow Indians in Lodge Grass, Montana. At that time, Lodge Grass was a mere railroad station with few amenities, and it lacked any Christian influence or active missionary endeavors for its 1,800 Native American residents.
Chivers' inspiration was fueled by the (reported) desire of approximately thirty tribal chiefs and influential figures who, through their signatures, (were reported to have) expressed their wish for a mission and school in the area. Within seventeen years, the mission achieved remarkable success. Lodge Grass saw the establishment of a thriving church with around 150 members, accompanied by a mission house, a school, and a chapel, where regular spiritual services were held.
