2004 Historic St. Mary's Mission, Inc. * All Rights Reserved
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Web Site Design by S&J Enterprises
Last Update: 3/4/2009
Historic St. Mary’s, Inc., is a non-profit organization, formed in 1988. The goal is to preserve, restore, maintain and promote the Mission Complex that was founded in 1841 by Jesuit priests under the leadership of Father Pierre Jean De Smet. Stevensville and the State of Montana were formed from these early beginnings.
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.
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.
For travelers and local visitors alike, the old Mission affords a look back to "Where Montana Began" -the place where agriculture, medicine, education and religion were first introduced in what was to become the State of Montana.
The Mission Complex is open for tours from April 15 through October 15, and the Visitor's Center, Gift Shop and Museum are open year around. 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 Historic St. Mary's, and discover the roles Fr. Pierre De Smet, S.J. and Fr. Anthony Ravalli, S.J. played in its development.
Educators: Beginning Spring 2009 Historic St. Mary's Mission will provide an Indian Education instructional program for teachers and students. The program follows the state instructional guidelines. Additional information on the Indian Education For All program.
Nestled in the Bitterroot Valley, in the shadow of St. Mary’s Peak, stands Historic St. Mary’s Mission. Fr. Pierre De Smet, a Jesuit priest, founded the Mission in 1841. The State of Montana grew from the settlement of St. Mary’s, which was 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 give visitors a historic look back at the beginnings of the birth of the State and the settlement of the West.
A look at the Bitterroot flower and it's historical importance to the Native Americans.
Season dates and times. Tour information. Overview of Mission complex.
St. Mary's Peak rises 9300' above the valley floor. Hundreds of visitors come each summer to see the view from the top.
P.O. Box 211
West End of 4th Street
Stevensville, MT 59870
406-777-5734
Email: stmary@cybernet1.com
www.saintmarysmission.org
Current weather conditions in Stevensville and driving directions to Historic St. Mary's Mission.
Links to local sites of interest, historical sites, museums, and information on traveling in Montana.
You can help to maintain and preserve this historical site for future generations.
L to R - Diorama, Dove Cote, Chief Victor's Cabin, well house and cemetery. The old apple tree in the foreground was planted by Fr. Ravalli in the mid eighteen hundreds.
Click for larger view.
Houses an extensive collection of historical books dealing with the Rocky Mountain region and its peoples from the 1700's -1800's
Historic St. Mary's Mission - Where Montana Began
Your tax deductible contribution can help preserve and protect this important part of western history.
