Missoula County, Montana 1870-1888
Missoula County, Montana, established from 1870 to 1888, was marked by its diverse landscape of mountains and valleys, covering 30,000 square miles. By 1880, it had a population of 2,537 and significant agricultural output, including over 124,000 bushels of wheat. The county seat, Missoula, supported a vital economy with public buildings, mills, and a thriving community of farmers. With a burgeoning taxable property base exceeding $1,000,000 by 1885, the county reflected the growth of the region and its agricultural potential.