Mineral County, Montana 1921
Mineral County, having a land area of
1,224 square miles, was created August 7, 1914. It is situated
in the extreme western part of the state, its western boundary
line following the crest of the Bitter Root range, on the other
side of which lies the State of Idaho. The northern boundary is
formed by the crest of the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. A large part
of the county's area, or 723,755 acres, is included within the
Lolo National Forest, which, with the large private holdings,
makes it one of the most heavily timbered counties in the state.
Mountains predominate throughout the
county, but are relieved by the valleys of the two principal
streams, the Missoula and Clark's Fork of the Columbia, which
are fed by numerous tributaries. These valleys are long, though
in places narrow, and possess an extremely fertile soil, and
are, moreover, backed by productive bench lands, forming
together an agricultural region hardly to be excelled in the
state. The growing season is estimated from 63 to 1 10 days, and
several kinds of grain, clover, timothy, vegetables and small
fruits and berries are profitably raised. Agriculture, however,
is yet in its infancy here, as also is dairying, though the
latter is making rapid progress. The excellent pasturage
afforded by the cut-over lands, of which there are thousands of
acres in the county, and a plentiful supply of the purest water,
together with convenient and reliable markets, make this
industry very remunerative along the Missoula and Clark's Fork
rivers. The abundance of hay for winter feeding is another
advantage not lost sight of by practical dairymen, and more cows
are being brought into the county and creameries planned in the
smaller towns. It is not unlikely that these efforts will result
in elevating Mineral County to a place among the best dairying
districts of the state. Cut-over lands sell from $10 to $25 an
acre, while cleared and well improved farms bring $50 to $100 an
acre.
At present, however, lumbering and
mining are the chief industries. The largest saw mills are
located at St. Regis and Henderson, that at the former place
being one of the largest in the state. The supply of timber is
ample for many years' operations, and this industry, therefore,
may be expected to hold its own for an indefinite period. Mining
enterprise has resulted in profitable finds of silver, lead,
gold and copper. The mining districts are near Superior and in
the western part of the county near Saltese. Many tourists are
attracted to this region by the magnificent mountain scenery and
the unusually good fishing and big game hunting.
Mineral County is easily reached,
being traversed by two important railroads, the Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul and the Northern Pacific. The latter road
has also a branch line running west from St. Regis to Wallace,
Idaho. The National Parks Highway and the Yellowstone Trail also
traverse the county.
Towns and Schools
The county seat of Mineral County is
Superior, which is also the principal town. It is located on the
Clark's Fork, between mountain ranges, and has an estimated
population of 400. In addition to a number of retail stores it
contains a bank with deposits of more than $100,000, a theatre,
churches and excellent schools. Two weekly newspapers are also
published here.
The other important towns of the
county are Deborgia, St. Regis and Saltese, all having railroad
communication.
Education has been provided for in an
adequate number of rural and graded schools, supplemented by two
high schools, one at Superior, accredited for the four years
course, and the other at St. Regis, accredited for the two years
course.
Montana Counties 1921
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Montana AHGP

Source: Montana its Story and Biography,
by Tom Strout, Volume 1, The American Historical Society, 1921
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