WESTERN MONTANA
CHAPTER VIII.
Western Montana.
Kalispell, the largest City in the Flathead country, in the northwestern part of Montana, lies west and is sheltered by the main range of the Rocky Mountains. This, as well as a portion of the state south of here, at one time comprised the Oregon Possessions, whereas the rest of Montana was acquired by the Louisiana Purchase, which we will all celebrate during the St. Louis Exposition.
In the vicinity of Kalispell are numerous sawmills, the largest being at Somers, at the head of Flathead Lake, also a very extensive pickling plant for the preservation of ties. I enjoyed many delightful drives through the immense wheat farms and inhaled the perfume from the many fruit trees then in bloom. I will always have a warm feeling and pleasant memories for the happy time and many friends I have made in Kalispell. Fifteen miles northeast is Columbia Falls, where is located the Soldiers' Home of the state, which cares for the infirm who once defended our country.
One bright sunny morning in August, 1901, I drove three miles before 6 A. M. to Demarsville, the head of navigation of the Flathead river, took the steamer Klondike and sailed down twenty-eight miles to the lake, passing Big Fork on the way, where a number of eastern excursionists left our boat to go camping. Then sailed thirty-five miles to the foot of the Lake. Arriving there, we were met by a four-horse stage coach to drive thirty-five miles over the Flathead Reservation, so called on account of the tribe of Flathead Indians that inhabit it. This was an interesting ride to me. I viewed the continuous bands of horses and cattle, besides a large herd of buffalo, and Indians on horse back, riding around us in all directions. At times we could not see any of them; then in a few moments they would come after us at a break-neck pace, their rifles hanging at their ponies' saddles, and with their war whoops encircling us, to their amusement, but it did not bother us old-timers. This was a jolly ride, though a hot and dusty one. There were eleven passengers and all hungry when we reached Selish. I never shall forget how good the dinner did taste as it had been only the fourth meal I had that day. Stopping over night, I took the train the next morning for The Garden City of the State, Missoula.
The city is beautifully situated on both sides of the Missoula river. This has been truly called the Garden of the State, with fruits and flowers, fish and fowls, streams and rivers, tracts of timber and mountains. What more does a man want? And this section offers as fine opportunities, for mixed farming, as any place in my knowledge.
The long sunny days, together with the rich soil, produce very fine wheat, oats and other cereal products. Here are large flour mills, and the most extensive lumbering industries in the state. Also the best educational facilities, having the Montana State University, an up-to-date business college, and superior public schools.
It is an important railroad division headquarters, and the Sanitarium of the Northern Pacific Railway Company is located here. It is the junction of the branch that extends up the rich Bitter Root Valley, passing Fort Missoula and continuing up the valley for a distance of over fifty miles, passing the towns of Victor and Stevensville, through rich fruit and grain farms, reaching Hamilton, where also are large sawmills in operation.
A short distance west, at DeSmet, a branch line extends to the Coeur d'Alene Mining District. The entire section is an agricultural and stock country, and at Plains, on the main line of the railway, are immense bands of thoroughbred cattle, horses and Angora goats.
At Bonner, east of Missoula, are the large sawmills of the Blackfoot Milling Company. At Drummond a line extends to Philipsburg and the celebrated Bi-Metalic and Granite Mountain Mines.
Deer Lodge has the State Penitentiary and the College of Montana, and at Warm Springs is the Asylum.
I next reach the metropolis of Montana, and my home, Butte.