A tribute on brick and mortar
A vibrant mural is being painted on the exterior of Benton Pharmacy in Fort Benton, Montana, to commemorate the 1904 World's Fair Champion girls basketball team from the Fort Shaw Indian School. The artwork, created by Billings artist Rilie Zumbrennen, who has completed more than 100 murals across the state, aims to keep the team's legacy visible to residents and visitors alike.
The historical connection dates back to June 9, 1903, when the Fort Shaw girls played an exhibition game on the second floor of the pharmacy, a space that had previously served as an opera house and was later converted into a basketball court. At a time when opportunities for women in sports were scarce, the team's participation represented a breakthrough.
Descendant Ardis Cecil, whose family ties the team to the present day, described the mural as a wonderful way of keeping the memory alive, emphasizing how the piece bridges generations and highlights the team's perseverance.
The mural also serves as a reminder of the broader story of basketball's evolution. Invented by James Naismith in the early 1890s, the sport opened doors for women to compete, and the Fort Shaw team exemplified that early momentum.
Community members have expressed appreciation for the artwork's aesthetic impact, noting that it enhances the town's visual character while sparking conversations about local history. Zumbrennen has been actively engaging with locals to spread awareness of the team's story, using the mural as a focal point for dialogue.
The public will have an opportunity to experience the finished piece at a special unveiling ceremony scheduled for June 9 at 9 a.m. at Benton Pharmacy. The event will bring together residents, historians, and sports enthusiasts to celebrate a milestone that resonates far beyond the court.
Beyond this project, Zumbrennen continues to use murals as a medium for cultural preservation, hoping the artwork will inspire future generations to recognize the pioneering achievements of women in athletics.