Missoula, the "Garden City" is known as the state of Montana's cultural center. The moniker is in reference to the large number of orchard homes and extensive vegetable and flower gardens that once lined its perimeter. Though founded as a lumber and agricultural center as well as a trading post, the basis of Missoula's modern economy is the University of Montana, which was founded in 1895 and became the center of higher education for Western Montana. Those moving to Missoula will find something for everyone.
Economy:
The city of Missoula owes its success to log yard businesses which had driven its economy for most of the 20th century. However, by the early 1990s, changes in the economic fortunes and environmental hazards in the city had shut down all the Missoula log yards. However, the start of the modern era began when all the logging yards in Missoula vanished. When logging businesses went down, the Missoula Downtown Association was born and downtown Missoula became what it is today. Businesses moving to Missoula started with the First Interstate Bank, the First Security Bank, the St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center. These companies diversified employment options in the city which now include education, health care, retail, government and professional services. Also, the ample wildlife in Missoula parks provides for a steady tourism industry based on hunting and fishing.
History:
The first inhabitants who started moving to the Missoula area were American Indians from the Salish tribe. They called the area "Nemissoolatakoo," from which "Missoula" is derived. The word translates roughly to "river of ambush/surprise," a reflection of the inter-tribal fighting common to the area. The Indians' first encounter with whites came in 1805 when the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the Missoula Valley. In 1860, permanent white settlements started at the the opening of a trading post called the Hellgate Village on the Blackfoot River near the eastern edge of the valley. It was followed by a sawmill and a flour mill, which the settlers called "Missoula Mills."
Tourism:
There are countless activities, events and historical places to explore in Missoula. Live music at a multitude of venues ranging from the historic Wilma Theatre to any one of the local bars or pubs, to farmers markets, festivals for just about every occasion and historic recreations. The city is located within the fly fishing Golden Triangle and is a popular area for hunting deer, elk, bear, moose, and other game animals. And of course, what is game without beer? Know that in Missoula, as a lover of beer, there is no shortage of delicious options and the beer flows as steady as the Clark Fork River.