Missoula Architecture and History
Missoula, Montana has a fascinating history that is reflected in our local architecture and places.
The town of Missoula formed in 1860 as a trading post called Hellgate. Gold discoveries east and west of Missoula in the late 1860’s led to the city’s growth, especially the gold strike at Cedar Creek in near today’s town of Superior in Mineral County in 1869. From 1869 to 1870, the population of Missoula grew from around 100 people to 2,544 according to census data.
In 1895, Missoula became the home of the state university, which is now the University of Montana.
In 2009, the National Register of Historice Places officially recognized Downtown Missoula as a historic district, recognizing more than 500 qualifying structures including the County Courthouse, St. Francis Xavier Church, the Wilma Building, the Florence Building, and the Palace Hotel.
The University Area District and East Pine Historic District were previously recognized.
