Revised Roadside Geology of Montana Now Available
Over 40 years ago two young professors at the University of Montana were seeking a way to help their students identify minerals in the introductory classes they both taught. Don Hyndman and David Alt had offices next to each other so could easily share ideas, and they reached a solution that would have a far-reaching impact.
Instead of the traditional focus on characteristics of the mineral itself – hardness, cleavage planes, color – the first piece of information needed was – where did you find this? What kind of rock did you find it in? This led to an interest in roadcuts in the surrounding area and identification of rock strata and geologic history. Neither professor was from Montana, but it didn’t take long to put together a short guidebook to the area they knew the best –western Montana and northern Idaho. It would be titled Roadside Geology of the Northern Rockies and covered the geology of the land along major roads and related pertinent information about mines, history, and the like.
From his earlier experience with delays created by working with a publisher on the East Coast, Hyndman realized they needed to work with someone who could do the job locally. Mountain Press, a small publishing house in Missoula established by local owner David Flaccus, had the ability to do the work, but he was not convinced that it would sell well. He agreed to print a limited number of copies only with the promise that the authors would help with the marketing and would forego royalties on the first 5000 copies. The initial printing of 1350 copies in 1972 sold out quickly and became the model for similar guides for Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana by the same authors with the same publisher. They followed with additional titles, and by now there are similar guides to other states with different authors, and revised editions of some of the original titles. These books are available in many bookstores, especially in tourist destinations, and online.
David Alt has passed away, but Hyndman has carried on with a revision of the original book on Montana to include color photos of many of the original sites and updated information on the geology and recent events. This book is co-authored by Rob Thomas, currently a professor at the University of Montana Western. The revised edition has just been released.