This Montana Town Is Older Than the State Itself

Montana, also known as the “Treasure State,” is a state revered for its natural beauty and wildlife. From the Rocky Mountains with their towering peaks to Yellowstone National Park with the Grand Prismatic Spring, outdoor opportunities abound. However, Montana is also a treasure trove of cultural and historic tales, with its early roots dating back to the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Tourists who want to delve into the state’s past must visit the town of Stevensville, officially recognized as the first permanent settlement of non-indigenous people in Montana. From its religious roots to its 40+ National Register of Historic Places landmarks, this town is older than the state itself and has much to show for it. Add on scenic landscapes and mountain trails for a complete package that has something for every traveler.

The Beginning Of Stevensville

Before the settlement known as “Stevensville” began, the area now known as the Bitterroot Valley was home to the Bitterroot Salish people. These Native Americans were prominent in present-day Montana and came to know of Catholicism through Iroquois traders in the 1800s. They were intrigued by stories of “Black Robes” and their powerful healing abilities, which led them to invite missionaries for spiritual and cultural growth. Beginning in the 1830s, the Salish sent multiple delegations to St. Louis, requesting priests to establish a Catholic mission. While many failed, in 1839, a group met Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, who agreed to fulfill their request and founded St. Mary’s Mission in 1841. This became the first permanent white settlement in Montana, and the construction of a chapel and log cabins cemented Stevensville’s roots.

In the following decades, the town continued to grow with businesses like agriculture, ranching, cattle branding, and even the first pharmacy in 1845. In 1850, Major John Owen purchased the land to set up a trading post and developed the area into a settlement for traders and settlers. Fourteen years later, the community’s name was changed from St. Mary’s Village to Stevensville to honor the territorial governor, Isaac Stevens. Since then, the town has seen many notable events, from the forceful removal of the Bitterroot Salish people to becoming the county seat for a brief time in the 1890s.

Stevensville Today

In more recent history, Stevensville has continued to grow as a settlement, with the population going from around 350 in 1900 to 2,000 in 2020. To this end, businesses have continued to spring up, and it offers a great mix of small-town living and touristy vibes. The past is still imbued throughout the streets, and the town has over forty properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the town’s economy is centered around tourism and small businesses, with eateries, parks, and the scenic Bitterroot River providing endless ways to spend time.

Things To See/Do In Stevensville

Ode to Stevensville's rich history, there is no shortage of landmarks throughout the town. From the initial mission that was the community’s starting point to the local museum, tales of old abound here. Montana wilderness also seeps into this town, and outdoor lovers have plenty of opportunities. Outdoor trails, mountain hikes, and green spaces open up, so there is something for everyone to do.

Historic St. Mary’s Mission

Founded in 1841 as an ongoing village for Catholic Salish Indians, St. Mary’s Mission is the focal point of Stevensville. However, raids by Blackfeet Indians led to the mission closing in 1850, and the church was burned down. It wasn’t until 1866 that the mission was rebuilt, and a new church was constructed a mile south of the original site. It was further enlarged in 1879, underwent renovations in the 1970s, and a visitors center and museum were added in 1996. Today, the St. Mary’s Mission Historic District is a part of the National Register of Historic Places and offers tours from April through October. Visitors can roam the two-acre grounds exploring the chapel, infirmary, art gallery, and gift shop. Whether it is connecting with your faith or grabbing a souvenir, the mission is a true insight into Montana’s religious past.

The Stevensville Historical Museum

Located on Main Street, the Stevensville Historical Museum tells the two-century-long tale of this town. Exhibits showcase the missionary movement in the Northwest, the establishment of settlements along the river, and even the growth of timber and mining nearby. The museum was set up with MHF funds to preserve Salish history in the Bitterroot Valley, and it has helped in this cause. The museum foundation is also linked with many Salish organizations, such as the Salish-Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee.

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

Just a short drive outside town sits the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, a sprawling area of wetlands, forests, and grasslands that provides a safe haven for wildlife. Established in 1964, the refuge stretches across nearly 3,000 acres in the Bitterroot Valley and is especially known for its birdlife. More than 240 species of birds have been recorded here, from bald eagles and ospreys to sandhill cranes and waterfowl. The refuge is also home to white-tailed deer, beavers, muskrats, and countless smaller animals that thrive in its marshes and ponds. Visitors can explore several walking trails that wind through the refuge, including boardwalks that bring you close to the water’s edge. Interpretive signs along the way explain the ecosystem and point out the best spots to look for wildlife.

This Historic Town In Montana Re-Tells The State’s Past

Stevensville is more than just Montana’s first settlement; it is a living reminder of the state’s layered history. From the early days of the Salish people and the arrival of the missionaries to the growth of trade and the preservation of historic landmarks, the town captures centuries of cultural change. Walking its streets brings you face to face with the state’s beginnings, while the nearby wilderness invites you to enjoy the landscapes that made Montana famous. With its history, heritage, and natural beauty, Stevensville offers travelers a chance to experience the story of Montana and the enduring spirit that still shapes it today.