Southwestern Montana

Southwestern Montana is a gold mine of history... ranging from Native Americans trekking through the area to Lewis and Clark, to gold rushers and vigilantes, from the railroad to teamsters, farmers and ranchers. And much of it is not only well preserved... it's up close and personal!

Dillon's birth depended upon narrow gauge rails

Dillon was born to the scream of a steam whistle. The Utah and Northern Railroad (no the Union Pacific) was building north, toward Butte in 1880. Originally begun by the Mormon leader, Brigham Young, the three-foot narrow gauge line was by then a project of the Union Pacific.

As winter approached the railroad halted construction at Richard Deacon's ranch, where Dillon now is. The railroad was refused passage across the ranch and a group of businessmen, traveling with the mobile town called "Terminus" that went with the railroad as it progressed, raised the money to buy the ranch and form a town site company.

A prepackaged community, all necessary services came with it in portable structures of canvas and wood. During the winter of 1880-81 the railroad stayed here, at the end of the track. When the railroad moved north again, the town remained. Dillon is named after Sidney Dillon, president of the Union Pacific Railroad at the time of the railroads arrival here.

But before the railroad, Beaverhead County was an important and flourishing part of the fledgling territory of Montana. Gold was first discovered just a little ways west of here - and the territory's first capital was formed around those early day gold diggings at Bannack.

Agriculture's still a major economic force...

Agriculture still forms the backbone of the areas economy. Beaverhead County is Montana's largest cattle producing county, and the nation's fourth-largest as well. The ranches of the Big Hole area west of Dillon are famous for their hay raising capabilities. Agriculture also forms a solid base for industry for the area. Montana Pride's processing plant turns out specialized horse feed for national distribution. Other firms provide valuable services to the agricultural industry in southwestern Montana. Dillon is also the headquarters of the national franchise company Great Harvest Bread. Mining is still represented, with the 100+ employees of Barrett Minerals Inc. , at the talk mill south of Dillon. Elsewhere in the county and surrounding area other mineral production continues.

Dillon, despite it deep historical ties, is continuing to look forward. The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce is fully staffed and dedicated toward advancing the commercial well being of the community. New businesses continue to find the surroundings attractive, both as a place to do business and a place for their employees to raise families.

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has headquarters here in Dillon. Its Mountains and forested areas provide Timber boundless recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Hunting and fishing in the Beaverhead National Forest and surrounding area is not just good, it's excellent, with both the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers having international status as Blue Ribbon class fishing waters.

Guide services for both fishing and hunting have national reputation here. For Scenery. For History. For the outdoors. For the past, the present and future. Beaverhead County has a whole lot or everything for everybody. Enjoy.