Code of the New West
In his 1934 novel, Code of the West, famous Western writer Zane Grey first referenced the unwritten rules that guided the behavior of hardy pioneers living in the “Wild West.”
The Code of the West was centered on values including loyalty, friendship, hospitality, fair play, generosity, kindness, integrity, and respect for the land. Anyone who broke the code became a social outcast.
While the West isn’t quite as wild as it was in Grey’s day, these values are still central to life in Montana. Thus, Gallatin County later introduced a modern-day version to help preserve the land and Old West values:
Gallatin County’s Code of the New West
As good citizens of Montana, we promise to:
Appreciate the splendor of Montana’s natural beauty, the opportunity to live here, and the quality of life we enjoy.
Be a good steward of the land; take personal responsibility for keeping our land weed and trash-free; promote recycling.
Show respect for our state and local laws, for wildlife, for the land, and for the people…especially those engaged in farming and ranching.
Be goodwill ambassadors, showing friendliness to visitors and neighbors alike.
Take pride in how we maintain our property, our businesses, our communities, and ourselves.
Become informed about how things are done in our communities and the state so that we fully understand the realities of living in rural Montana.
Take political action: read, vote, become informed, and participate when necessary, to preserve and improve the good things we have.
Get involved with our communities, to give back some measure of what we receive from being a part of the larger family.
Work together for the good of the whole, neighborhood, community, county, state, nation, and world.
These guidelines remind longtime residents to welcome newcomers, newcomers to learn and embrace this region’s way of life, and all of us to steward the land and recognize our good fortune to live in this special place—an excellent recipe for a connected community.
How to Be a Good Neighbor to Farmers and Ranchers
Gallatin County’s New Code of the West also includes facts about agriculture that can help all of us get to know and better support this valuable part of our community. Here are just a few:
Did you know?
Agriculture is an important contributor to the economy of Gallatin County. If you choose to live among farms and ranches, you may be affected by them. You may end up stuck behind a tractor during hay season—enjoy the slowdown!
Farmers often work around the clock, especially during planting and harvest time. Hay is often swathed or baled at night. Occasionally, adjoining agricultural operations may disturb your otherwise quiet surroundings. Those times will pass.
Montana has an “open range” law. This means if you do not want cattle, sheep, or other livestock on your property, it is your responsibility to fence them out. It is not the responsibility of the rancher to keep their livestock off your property.
Cattle drives are a long-time Montana tradition. Don’t be surprised to see the tradition taken to the streets. Use good sense and slow down if you happen upon one. Be respectful of those living off the land.
See Gallatin County’s complete New Code of the West for more insights into life in the West and how we can all enjoy it together.