Old Missoula

“Missoula”

Editor Missoulian,

Seeing that you are still in search of information in regard to “Missoula,” I venture to submit the following, which I hope will throw some light on the subject: Upon the old maps, compiled from surveys of Stevens and Mullan, the Missoula is laid down as the Bitter Root river, and was generally designated with that name by early settlers. One evening, in the fall of 1859, while encamped on the banks of this stream, the origin of the name of this county was discussed, and Mr. Weissmer [John Wiessner], chief astronomer to Mullan’s expedition, explained that the Bitter Root river was misnamed. Said he: “This river has long been known as the ‘Little Missouri,’ called so by traders and others whose stamping ground was between the big Missouri and this valley; and, as it is generally difficult for half-breeds and Indians to pronounce the letter ‘r’  (they substitute ‘L’ instead, like the Chinese), Missouri easily became Missoul, and finally Missoula.” Judge Yantiss [B. F. Yantis-Colville Indian Agent], whom I met later, and who was a member of the Washington territory legislature at the time this county was established, said that the name was derived from some river up here.

C.S.

Hell Gate, M. T., April 30, 1882.

Note:

This is one of several less than convincing interpretations of the source of Missoula’s name. It is true, however, that members of the Mullan expedition were using the name, “Bitter Root,” for the big river that flowed near St. Regis, Mt. (today’s Clark Fork).

One of the earliest newspaper mentions of “Missoula” -quoted below (Marysville, Ca. “Appeal Democrat” 3/7/1860) -arose in conjunction with the trader John Owen, proprietor of Fort Owen, who made the trip from his Fort to Walla Walla many times using the river trails. Major Owen preceded Mullan to the Montana area by several years.

“Walla Walla and Fort Benton Wagon Road – Major John Owen, U. S. Agent for the Flathead Indians, writes from Fort Owen, (W. T.) on the 22d Dec. as follows: Lieut Mullan’s party have gone into winter quarters on the Little Missoula. The priests gave more annoyance than a little interfering with everything in a low and underhand manner. They have meddled with everybody’s business. They have done all they could (Father Josset at the head) to defeat the W. W. and F. B. Road. Lieut. Mullan has advised that they be ordered out of the country.”