Historical Fort Missoula

43. Cedar Creek Gold

In 1869 gold was discovered by Louis A. Barrett and B. Lanthier in the area of Superior, then known as Cedar Creek. The strike was a rich one; over 1 million dollars in gold was eventually taken from the mines. Since Missoula was the closest town to these mines, people were constantly traveling between the two places. This commuting offered an excellent business opportunity for a stage line. Soon Gilmer and Salisbury opened a stage line between Cedar Creek and Missoula, and so did C.C. Huntley and Company. Both businesses used Concord coaches pulled by six horses. The rivalry between the two companies became so intense that very often two of the rival coaches entered and left Missoula on a dead run. Stagecoaches played an important part in transportation between Missoula and other cities in the early days of the town.

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