Location: Stevensville, Ravalli County
On December 24, 1841, Father Pierre Jean De Smet established St. Mary's Mission near present-day Stevensville, marking the founding of Montana's first permanent white settlement. De Smet, a Jesuit missionary, was invited by the Salish (Flathead) tribe to establish a mission among them. The mission served as a center for religious instruction, agricultural education, and cultural exchange between the missionaries and the Native American communities. Its establishment was a pivotal moment in Montana's history, signifying the beginning of sustained European-American presence and influence in the region. St. Mary's Mission played a crucial role in the early development of Montana, introducing new farming techniques, trades, and a different way of life to the indigenous populations, while also serving as a hub for early settlers and traders. The site remains a significant historical landmark, preserving the legacy of this foundational period.