Fort Owen

Fort Owen (1850-1871) - First established in 1850 as a trading post and fort by John Owen and named after him. Abandoned in 1871. Also known as Fort John Owen.

Fort Owen History

John Owen purchased a part of St. Mary's Mission from Jesuit Father De Smet in 1850 and established a regional trading post, farm and fort in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. Owen operated the post until 1871 when ill health forced him to close the post.

Current Status

Part of Fort Owen State Park, Montana. Contains one restored period building, St. Mary's Mission.

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Location: Fort Owen State Park, Ravalli, Montana. Located 25 miles south of Missoula on U.S. 93 to Stevensville Junction, then .5 miles east on Secondary 269. Maps & Images Lat: 46.519839 Long: -114.097293 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: 3,294'

Sources:

• Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 474

Links:

• Fort Owen State Park
• North American Forts - Fort Owen

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Fort Owen Picture Gallery

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