Fretless, not only were there guitars (and even opera houses in many towns) there was a mandolin and guitar society organized around the turn of the century in my town, Bozeman, Montana. The current Montana Mandolin Society was formed recently when an old photo came to light showing the original group from around 1900. The opera house in Bozeman was built in 1888, and was unfortunately torn down in 1964, when people didn't value historic preservation. Here is a photo of the mandolin society: Click Here Virginia City and Nevada City, Montana, had musical entertainment. Many instruments were brought by river, including pianos, and then hauled overland. When the railroads came in, even more goods came to this area.