The Rockpile Museum is pleased to have the following exhibits on display for the public:

Featured Exhibits

DIGGING FOR POWER

Our coal mining exhibit has recently been updated and features numerous objects and photos not previously on display. Drop by this area of the museum to learn about the Peerless underground mine, the Wyodak Mine and Power Plant, the Black Diamond and Blue Diamond Mines, and the coal boom of the 1970s and 1980s.

Continuing Exhibits:

"The Oil Patch"

An updated oil and gas exhibit has been completed in early 2012.  The display tells the story of oil and gas in Campbell County from early exploration in the 1920s to the methane boom of the last few decades.  The exhibit includes information on petroleum geology, the oil boom, the 1967 Simpson well fire, coal bed methane, and much more. 

"Radioactive Rocks: Uranium Mining in the Powder River Basin"

This exhibit shows the sixty year history of uranium exploration and mining in Campbell County and the Powder River Basin. From the first discovery in 1950 to the planned in-situ projects today, this element has been part of the mining tradition of our region.

"Growth and Government"

The case exhibit "Growth and Government" highlights the the changing landscape of Gillette and Campbell County's public and government buildings over the nearly 120 year history of our community. See pictures of the public buildings, information about their history, as well as several interesting objects used by elected officials in the past.

"The Sheriffs of Campbell County"

The Sheriffs of Campbell County, highlights the ninety-seven year history of the Campbell County Sheriff's Department and its eleven elected leaders. Read about each of the sheriffs and check out a wide variety of law enforcement equipment from the Rockpile Museum collections.

"Farming in Campbell County"

Farming in Campbell County is located between the Rockpile and the Annex Building in a surprisingly quiet corner of the museum's grounds. The horse drawn farming equipment which has been located at several spots around the museum and around town has been gathered together to provide an interesting glimpse into a relatively little-known aspect of the county's past.

While Campbell County is known for its cattle and coal, the 1910s and 1920s saw a tremendous influx of farmers into the county. The increase in the amount of land homesteaders could claim and the promotion of dry farming brought many "newcomers" to the area. The Museum's hay mowers, plows, cultivators, and grain drills remain as evidence of this interesting period of the county's history. The new exhibit highlights this time of new beginnings. The exhibit opened August 8, 2009.

"News-Record Print Shop"

This display highlights the history of the newspapers in Campbell County as well as the machinery used to make and print those papers. Included are a linotype machine, three printing presses, and lots of type and smaller tools. Come and learn exactly how a newspaper was made prior to the computer age.

"Railroading in Campbell County"

The Rockpile Museum opened its Railroading in Campbell County exhibit in our Burlington Northern caboose. The exhibit highlights the importance of the railroad in the development of Campbell County from its arrival in 1892 to the present time.

"Ranch Blacksmith Exhibit"

Another exhibit entitled the Ranch Blacksmith Shop opened on July 17th in the museum's detached building. This exhibit features the original blacksmith shop from the T7 Ranch, which dates from the 1880's.

"Gilstrap Brothers Garage"

A new permanent exhibit focusing on early automobile and service station history in the museum’s outside building. This exhibit is designed to represent the Gilstrap Brothers Garage which was located in downtown Gillette during the 20's, 30's, and 40's.

"The Bars and Saloons of Campbell County"

The Bars and Saloons of Campbell County tells the story of some of Gillette and Campbell County's most famous and infamous drinking establishments. Highlights include a diverse collection of saloon objects from numerous businesses, photos of many of the bars, and a section on the Prohibition era in Campbell County.

New or Redesigned Case Exhibits:

Permanent Exhibitions: (click on link for photograph)

Native American Artifacts
Kintz Room Rifle Collection
Kintz Room Bits and Spurs Collection
Hoadley Clinic Medical Exhibit
Daly Store Exhibit
Homesteader’s Exhibit
Coal Mining Exhibit and Videos
Saddle Exhibit
Hunting Exhibit
Goings Hotel Exhibit
Caboose
Homestead Cabin
One Room School Houses
Windmill
and much more!!!