This collection contains images of people and places primarily in the Montana Territory. Individuals photographed include Calamity Jane, Malcolm Clark, Theodore Roosevelt, and others in Montana and Dakota Territories. Places photographed include towns, mining camps, wilderness areas, and forts. Other locations in the western United States are also included. Images include original black and white photographic prints, reproductions of black and white prints and sketches, cabinet cards, and one stereographic print. Items date primarily from the 1860s to 1890s.

The photos retain their original order, and appear thematically. Photos are described by title or caption when possible, otherwise a title is supplied. The photographer and date is listed when available. Dimensions of items are given in centimeters. Many photos have further background information written in pencil about the subjects in the pictures, but this information is not included in the finding aid.