The James Fergus Family papers are divided into four subgroups: James Fergus; Andrew Fergus; Fergus Live Stock and Land Company; and miscellaneous. Papers (1857-1971) include biographical materials, incoming correspondence, outgoing correspondence, general correspondence, financial records, legal documents, subject files, and miscellany.

The Fisk Family gained prominence in Montana as emigrant guides and prominent newspapermen. Collection consists of correspondence, diaries, scrapbooks, and photographs. Topics presented include the Civil War, the Fisk expeditions of the 1860s, newspaper publishing in Helena, Montana, local politics, and pioneer life.