HISTORIC PLACES
ST. MARY’S MISSION
Historic St. Mary’s Mission stands in the shadow of St. Mary’s Peak in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. Fr. Pierre De Smet, a Jesuit priest, founded the Mission in 1841. The State of Montana grew from those early beginnings of the settlement first called St. Mary’s and later named Stevensville. The town holds the distinct honor of being the place “Where Montana Began”. The well-preserved buildings and artifacts of the Mission Complex afford visitors a look back at the historical beginnings of the birth of the State and the settlement of the West. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, St. Mary’s Mission is a cultural and historical icon of the early days of the American West. Historic St. Mary’s Mission, Inc., continually strives to strengthen ties with, and acknowledge its roots in Native American culture, while preserving the area’s delicate past for future generations. Formed in 1988, Historic St. Mary’s, Inc., is a non-profit organization. The goal of the organization is to preserve, restore, maintain and promote the Mission Complex founded in 1841 by Jesuit priests under the leadership of Father Pierre Jean DeSmet, S.J. The town of Stevensville and the State of Montana were formed from these early beginnings. 43
The Mission is administered by a seven member Board and operated by a Director. Volunteers serve as tour guides, grounds keepers, clerical workers and see to the operation of the gift shop. The maintenance and operation of the Mission is reliant on donations, tour fees, gift shop sales and grants. Programs such as the $2 A Month Club also help support operating costs. For travelers and local visitors alike, the old Mission affords a look back to the State of Montana’s earliest beginnings - the place where agriculture, medicine, education and religion were first introduced. The Mission Complex is open for tours from April 15 through October 15. Groups and school tours are always welcome. The web site provides a “tour” for those unable to visit in person. Here you will find photos, the history of the Mission Complex, and discover the roles the Salish people, Fr. DeSmet and Fr. Anthony Ravalli, S.J. played in its development.
