HISTORICAL FORT MISSOULA

Looking today for something different to do and Kathy T found the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.  It was only a few miles down the highway from our campground and there was so much to see in the 32-acre park. Lots of walking and exploring.

They started at the Historical Museum building and learned that Fort Missoula was established as a permanent military post in 1877 after the local townspeople requested protection in the event of a conflict with western Montana Indians.  The fort was not completed before there was a major conflict when the Nez Perce refused to settle on reservation land in Idaho. One of the interesting historical facts about the soldiers stationed at the Fort was the creation of the 25th Infantry Bicycle Corps in 1888. It was a regiment of black soldiers and white officers that were chosen to see if bicycles could replace horses in the military. At one time they rode 50 miles a day from Missoula to St. Louis before the project was abandoned.

Once outdoors, there were many historical buildings to explore. There was a fully restored library train that was used as a bookmobile for loggers throughout Missoula County from 1921 to the late 1950's.

There was the first Montana Catholic Church, a schoolhouse, a forest lookout, a steam operated sawmill, and many military buildings. Sadly, Fort Montana was also used as an internment camp for the Italians and Japanese during the World Wars.