Dillon Montana History & Background Information

Dillon is the seat of Beaverhead County, Montana's largest county.  Dillon is located in the southwestern part of the state, 65 miles south of Butte on I-15.  With mountain backdrops in all directions, Dillon is situated in a sweeping valley into which the Ruby, Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers drain.

Dillon has an historic courthouse as well as rows of western buildings. Activities and guided services for this area include natural hot springs, hikes, resort cabins, hunting, fishing, golf, biking, photography, sightseeing, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowmobiling.

Beaverhead County is home to some of the finest big game hunting in the lower 48 states; from antelope to Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, elk, moose, bear, and mountain lion.  When the snow flies, one can enjoy miles of groomed snowmobile trails, Maverick Mountain Ski Area, and miles of cross country skiing.  In addition, there is ice fishing and soaking in natural hot springs.

Beaverhead County boasts many mountain lakes as well as some of the country's most sought after Blue-Ribbon rivers and streams.  Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the trophy fish which include Arctic Grayling, Brown, Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout.     

Dillon was born as a railroad town, an important shipping point from Utah to the gold fields of Montana.  The Utah and Northern Railroad reached Dillon in the fall of 1880, and the town was named for the president of the Union Pacific Railroad, Sidney Dillon.

Sheep were introduced to the rich agricultural valley in 1869.  At one time Dillon was the largest wool shipping point in Montana.  The first cattle were brought to the valley in 1865 and they, too, have played a major role in Dillon's development.  Bannack, Montana's first territorial capital and now a well-preserved ghost town, is nearby. The Montana Normal College was established in Dillon in 1892 and is now known as The University of Montana Western.

In 1805 Lewis and Clark traveled through this area, with the help of Sacajawea, looking for a way west.  From Beaverhead Rock to Clarks Lookout one can take in many of the same sights that the Expedition did.  Later, the Nez Perce fled this region after a tragic battle at the Big Hole. Amid the scenic byways, abundant wildlife and historic towns, you'll find country with a lasting role in the settling of the western frontier.