Location: Miles City, Custer County
On June 21, 1910, Owen Harlen Mickel, better known as Montie Montana, the legendary rodeo trick rider and trick roper, was born. While his exact birthplace is sometimes debated between Montana and North Dakota, he is inextricably linked with the spirit and culture of Montana, adopting the state's name as his own. Montie Montana became a celebrated figure, performing his daring trick riding and roping skills for audiences worldwide, including a record-setting 14 consecutive U.S. Presidential inaugurations. His career spanned decades, making him an iconic ambassador for the cowboy way of life and the American West. Montana's rugged landscapes and rich rodeo tradition undoubtedly influenced his persona and craft. His birth marks the beginning of a life that would embody the adventurous and skilled spirit often associated with the Treasure State, contributing significantly to the cultural heritage of rodeo and Western entertainment. His legacy continues to inspire, cementing his place as a notable Montanan.