Hamilton history:
Lewis and Clark applied the name "Bitterroot Valley" to the whole valley where they found this plant growing profusely. The plant's botanical name is Lewisia rediviva which comes from the explorers name. The Bitterroot was officially designated as Montana's State Flower by the Legislature in 1895
Hamilton was named after James Hamilton who came to Montana when the Copper King, Marcus Daly, asked him to come to plan and develop the town. Hamilton is unique in that it didn't evolve as a town, but began as a planned town with wide streets and an economic center for the area farms and ranches. Daly had come to the area looking for industry other than his already established mining industry. In 1887, he found the Bitterroot Valley and began lumber and sawmill operations quite rapidly. This is when Hamilton entered the picture. Daly invited Hamilton and Robert O'Hara to come from Minnesota in 1890. Daly made the decision to name the town for Hamilton and appointed the first mayor, O'Hara. Hamilton was incorporated about 1894.
Additional history information may be found on this history page for the Bitterroot Valley.
Hamilton attractions:
Hamilton is the county seat of Ravalli County which basically covers the Bitterroot Valley. The Valley, itself, is 25 miles wide and 96 miles long and covers 2,383 square miles. It has varied scenery and activities of all kinds.
Things to do in the Bitterroot Valley area.
Much information about the Bitterroot Valley area.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain
This resort accumulates more snow, in general, than any other place in Montana giving it the distinction of having among the best downhill slopes in the state.
There is also cross-country skiing available in the area. There are miles of Nordic and snowmobile trails to be used.
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