One of Oldest Buildings in Browning to Be Razed Soon

As a novice history buff, there are some things that automatically come to mind when I think about the Montana of old.  Thoughts of cowboys, Native American tribes, or Copper Kings might be some of the first things you think of.

via GIPHY

But there is also history in the buildings that have popped up across the plains, valleys or mountains in Big Sky Country.  And unfortunately, sometimes those props of history will need to be said goodbye to from the hands of time ticking by.

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One of Oldest Buildings in Browning to Be Razed Soon

In a release through social media on September 10, 2025, the Blackfeet Nation/Blackfeet Tribal Business Council announced that the Free School building in Browning, Montana would be demolished.

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The building, according to Elders of the Blackfeet Nation, is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the small reservation town near Glacier National Park.  In a partnership with the Blackfeet Environmental Office, the Council has hired New-Fields Environmental Holdco, LLC to carry out the demolition of the Free School building.

Why Does this Historical Building in Browning Need to Come Down?

The razing of the Free School building is "being conducted to safeguard public health and environmental quality by addressing the hazard in a safe and responsible manner".  The hazard from the building comes from pigeon droppings throughout it collecting over many years.

In a statement regarding the danger to the public, the Council pointed to two key factors in having the building demolished:

• Health Hazards: Bird droppings may contain pathogens that cause illnesses such as histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and salmonellosis. These diseases can spread through inhalation, direct contact, or accidental ingestion.
• Environmental Concerns: Droppings contain high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which may contribute to nutrient pollution. When washed into water systems, this can trigger harmful algal blooms and lower oxygen levels, threatening aquatic life.