The first recorded Europeans to see the Rocky Mountains were the French Verendrye Brothers in the 1742. On their journey, it is also believed they were the first to cross through Southeastern Montana. The two Verendryes (Louis-Joseph and Francois) are depicted here along with two other Frenchmen and their Native companions in a rare historical painting by Western artist Bill Gollings (1926). This painting was displayed at the Sheridan (WY) High School for many years until it was purchased in 2015 by Whitney Benefits. "The Verendryes" is currently housed at the Bradford Brinton Museum. It is occasionally put on public display.