Florence & Stevensville Areas
Florence is the first inviting community entering the scenic Bitterroot Valley south from Lolo. It was in Lolo that Lewis and Clark began their trip west along the Lochsa River on their famous incredible journey. Its location just 15 minutes from Missoula makes it perfect for commuting. Florence sits at the northern end of the Bitterroot valley in close proximity to both big city amenities: an International Airport, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Southgate Mall and the University of Montana, and recreational opportunities, including ski areas. Campgrounds, canyons, and peaks are many just outside Florence in both the Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Mountains.
Small subdivisions dot the eastern landscape while large family-held ranches still dominate the areas west of the river. The commercial offerings include a grocery store, several convenience stores, a small mall, medical services, banking, hardware stores and more.
The American Legion sponsors a north valley baseball team called the Bitterroot Bucs. The Florence Park is one of the nicest in the valley, with lots of room for baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis. A new addition to the park is Hideout Mountain, a playground with lots of surprises. Florence hosts a Renaissance Fair every other summer and also has a Harvest Festival in the fall. Both events are locally sponsored and help develop a sense of community.
If you like walking, biking or riding; Florence has great trails. Along Highway 93 you can go north to Lolo onto Chief Looking Glass campground (on the Bitterroot River) or you can go south to Stevensville Bass Creek campground or Poker Joe river access. The Doug Vulcan trail runs from Florence to the Bitterroot River where the FWP maintains a river access. You can follow the Lewis and Clark trail where Clark and his men returned from Oregon in 1806 on the west side of the Bitterroot River.
History:
Its earlier settlers called the town ‘One Horse’ for the little creek that drains through it from the Bitterroot Mountains. In 1880, the town was renamed Florence for the wife of A.B. Hammond. Mr. Hammond was instrumental in opening the Bitterroot Valley for lumbering, and brought the railroad to the Bitterroot to transport timber. He set up a sawmill in the center of one of the Bitterroot’s best logging areas, and this site became the town of Florence, incorporated in 1888. There was a town to the north called Carlton, which merged with Florence, thus the school name Florence Carlton. Around the turn of the century, Florence had a post office, railroad depot, hotel, Catholic and Disciple Churches, I.O.O.F. Hall, blacksmith shop and livery stable, school, several stores, a small creamery and, of course, saloons.
Montana’s first permanent settlement is thriving as a great little community; overflowing with small town charm. The charming downtown has new medical facilities, 2 grocery stores, several banks, a number of restaurants and bars. Area canyons and mountains offer hiking and horseback riding. The Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge offers viewing of migratory birds and big game including whitetail deer, elk, moose and bear. Rolling timbered hillsides give way to rich agricultural centers here. Hay, grain, and corn are common crops in the rich soils.
The Valley is widest at this point with approximately 17 miles from west to east. Access through the beautiful Burnt Fork area leads to the Sapphire Mountains into high mountain lakes overlooking the famous Rock Creek drainage. Big Creek Canyon to the west, frames the Bitterroot Selway Wilderness that can be seen in the distance from the valley floor.
Truly the land of milk and honey is this area. A horse lover's paradise and perfect if you love to see a tractor in the field with a rugged mountain backdrop.
The Stevensville Main Street organization, working with all of the community businesses, striving to ensure the community grows and prospers. The first Friday of every month residents and visitors enjoy ‘First Friday’ when the Main Street Businesses stay open late and show you their Stevi hospitality. In the summer there are many community events, including Western Heritage Days, and the Creamery Picnic.
Historic St. Mary’s Mission:
Where Montana began! Captain William Clark’s last official government act was to sign the passport for Father Pierre DeSmet to come to this territory, and thus establish Historic St. Mary’s Mission in 1841. It was Montana’s first permanent settlement. St. Mary’s Mission was established because of the determination of several Native American tribes seeking ‘blackrobes’ as their teachers. Father Anthony Ravalli was recruited from Italy and built the log chapel that stands today. The interior of the chapel has been restored to the original colors of the 1880 era. Its furnishings are the handiwork of Father Ravalli, Montana’s first medical doctor. The attached study and dining room, as well as Father Ravalli’s house/pharmacy, are completely restored and furnished with items made by him. Chief Victor’s cabin houses a Native American museum. The beautifully landscaped DeSmet Park offers a picnic area. Father Ravalli rests with the Salish Indians in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The handicapped-accessible Visitor Center includes a gift shop, museum, art gallery, research library, and public restrooms.
History:
John Owen built the Fort Owen Trading Post, and Stevensville, accordingly, was started by John R. Winslett and J.K. Houk. The two traders came off the Emigrant Road in 1863. They had a string of 65 packhorses and mules. They tried to find a site near Fort Owen, but were unable to, so they went south for about one mile and built Stevensville’s first store. On May 12, 1864, the settlers there named the little community Stevensville after Isaac Ingells Stevens, the first governor of the then Washington Territory. This was officially proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln. The original Stevensville-townsite was platted in 1879 by G.A. Kellogg. In 1893, Missoula County was divided in two. The portion lying in the Bitterroot valley was named Ravalli.
