Montana’s first permanent settlement is thriving as a great little community; overflowing with small town charm. The Stevensville Main Street organization, working with all of the community businesses, is always striving to ensure the community grows and prospers. The first Friday of every month residents and visitors enjoy ‘First Friday’ when the Main Street Businesses stay open late and show you their Stevi hospitality. In the summer there are many community events, including Western Heritage Days, and the Creamery Picnic.

Historic St. Mary’s Mission:

Where Montana began! Captain William Clark’s last official government act was to sign the passport for Father Pierre DeSmet to come to this territory, and thus establish Historic St. Mary’s Mission in 1841. It was Montana’s first permanent settlement. St. Mary’s Mission was established because of the determination of several Native American tribes seeking ‘blackrobes’ as their teachers. Father Anthony Ravalli was recruited from Italy and built the log chapel that stands today. The interior of the chapel has been restored to the original colors of the 1880 era. Its furnishings are the handiwork of Father Ravalli, Montana’s first medical doctor. The attached study and dining room, as well as Father Ravalli’s house/pharmacy, are completely restored and furnished with items made by him. Chief Victor’s cabin houses a Native American museum, and the beautifully landscaped DeSmet Park offers a picnic area. Father Ravalli rests with the Salish Indians in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The handicapped-accessible Visitor Center includes a gift shop, museum, art gallery, research library, and public restrooms.

History:

John Owen built the Fort Owen Trading Post, and Stevensville, was started by John R. Winslett and J.K. Houk. The two traders came off the Emigrant Road in 1863. They had a string of 65 packhorses and mules. They tried to find a site near Fort Owen, but were unable to, so they went south for about one mile and built Stevensville’s first store. On May 12, 1864, the settlers there named the little community Stevensville after Isaac Ingells Stevens, the first governor of the then Washington Territory. This was officially proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln. The original Stevensville-townsite was platted in 1879 by G.A. Kellogg. In 1893, Missoula County was divided in two. The portion lying in the Bitterroot valley was named Ravalli.

Bitterroot Valley Communities: