Sec. A Page 11 Missoulian Centennial All Watched for Stagecoach
All Watched for Stagecoach
In the early days of Hell Gate and Missoula, before the railroad reached here in 1883, the stage trail from Fort Benton and the flat-bottomed stern-wheeler of the Missouri were of the upmost importance to residents of this area.
When the stagecoach rolled up in front of the old Rodgers House, most everyone in town was on hand looking for letters, friends or mail matter. The name of Wells, Fargo & Co. was common on the tongue of all residents of the day.
Along with passengers the stage carried treasure in small boxes made of iron.