Fort Owen

HISTORIC PLACES

FORT OWEN STATE PARK

Major John Owen’s frontier trading post and Indian Agency is located half a mile west of Stevensville. Self-guided tours are available to see the preserved structures of the original Fort. Built of adobe and logs, Fort Owen is the site of the first permanent white settlement in Montana. Father Pierre DeSmet came to the area in 1841 and established St. Mary’s Mission among the Flathead Indians. In 1850, Major John Owen arrived in the valley and set up camp north of St. Mary’s. In time, Major Owen established a trading post and military strong point named Fort Owen, which served settlers, Indians, and missionaries in the valley. Fort Owen still has permanent structures that stand today. Fort Owen is a State Park and sits at an elevation of 3,398 feet. The park has a vault toilet, a picnic table, and celebrates Fort Owen Day each 4th of July. There are no fees to visit the park but donations are welcome. It is located just north of Stevensville. Period furnishings and artifacts are displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks. Take your time to browse through a small museum housed in preserved and partially-reconstructed structures. Enjoy the interpretive signs and exhibits that detail the state park’s history.