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The Montana Historical Society and the Montana Department of Transportation have released a new book on Montana’s much-loved historic bridges. Conveniences Sorely Needed: Montana’s Historic Highway Bridges, 1860-1956 is the work of longtime MDoT historian, Jon Axline. Jon’s book reflects his affection for bridges, for their utilitarian aesthetics and the way that they unified early communities. Montana’s historic bridges are symbols of the cooperative spirit that led to the economic and social stability of communities throughout the Big Sky Country.

According to Mr. Axline, “Local communities that these bridges have served for decades often develop a sense of attachment to them, especially among the generation of Montanans who remember their construction.” From the delightful ornateness of the Fort Benton Bridge to the modern lines of the Fred Robinson Bridge in the Missouri Breaks, Montana’s bridges are beautiful. Conveniences Sorely Needed is richly illustrated with over 80 historic and contemporary photographs, many of them by well-known Missoula artist and photographer Kristi Hager.

The book could not be more timely as just recently MPA named Historic Bridges to Montana’s Most Endangered List 2005. By documenting the hundreds of bridges that have already been replaced or are scheduled for renovation, this book is an important reminder of a legacy that is fast slipping away and the urgency in preserving those bridges that remain yet today.

Available at bookstores, or directly from the Montana Historical Society Museum Store. Call 1-800-243-9900 to order.