Name: Shell Creek

County: Big Horn

Authority Name: 

GNIS Entry

Longitude:  1080317W

Latitude: 443039N

Legal Description:

Elevation: 3770/1149

(ft/m)

Feature Type: Stream

Origin of Name:

At a time prior to any settlement along the Shell Valley, Fred Whitney, Dick Shell and others were rounding up cattle for J.D. Woodruff  through this part of the country. Dick Shell fell in love with the country and said he was going to come back and take up land at the head of this creek. The following spring they were again rounding up cattle in that neighborhood. They asked Woodruff if he wanted them to go as far as (Dick) Shell’s creek. They afterwards always referred to this place as Shell’s Creek until it gradually assumed the name of Shell Creek. Many believe that Shell Creek took its name from the shells found along its banks but this is erroneous.   

Source: WPA