In the late 1930s there was a plan by then Sheridan, Wyoming street commissioner, A.R. Swickard to form a new 49th state.  The new state would be called of Absaroka.  This new state encompassed the southeastern counties of Montana, northern counties of Wyoming and extended eastward to the Black Hills of South Dakota.  While Mr. Swickard’s plan was more of a stunt, they printed a state license plate, elected a Miss Absaroka of 1939, and enjoyed an “official” state visit by the King of Norway.  Today you can leave Billings, Montana and combine the tours of the Beartooth Highway, Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, Devils Tower National Monument and PCA Dakota Region’s Black Hills into a scenic drive one will not forget and “re-discover” the lost 49th State of Absaroka.

The Lost 49th State of Absaroka