Origin of the name “Ryegate” by Dennis Lehfeldt

When one was traveling in this area, they had to go through a gate located at a field of Rye wheat.  That particular gate became known as Ryegate. The first road from Ryegate to Lavina was constructed on the old Buffalo trail that followed Alkali Creek south to the Musselshell River.  Just across from the mouth of Alkali Creek, a break in the rims allowed the buffalo to reach the top of the East Bench.  The top of the East Bench route was not nearly as muddy in spring and fall as a route near the river itself.