There was a geological formation that was over 40 feet in height that was built up over the centuries through the thermal action of hot water bubbling, depositing minerals around the opening. This is now called Warm Springs Mound.

The mound is located in a level valley. It was a landmark for all that passed. Steam rose when the temperature of the air was cooler than the heated bubbling water. The area was surrounded by green grass. White tailed deer enjoyed grazing here. The mineral deposits also left a saline behind - a natural salt lick for the herds . The Indians called this place " the lodge of the white tailed deer."

The town of Deer Lodge was originally called both Cottonwood and Spanish Fork. It was renamed Deer Lodge in 1864 as it was located in the middle of the Deer Lodge Valley with the Deer Lodge River ( the  name was changed to the Clark river in honor of the Lewis and Clark expedition co-leader ) running through it. Deer Lodge County, incorporated in 1865, was one of the first eight counties to originate in the newly formed territory of Montana. Deer Lodge was the county seat.

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I enjoy visiting Deer Lodge. I enjoy being transported back in history - through words , pictures..artifacts. Deer Lodge has some truly interesting museums...

The Old Territorial Prison ~ incarcinated its first occupant on July 2, 1871 behind stout iron bars. It is a work of quarried stone from nearby - walls with turrets on the corners where the guards once stood on duty..There is a chill that permeats the walls. Wandering through the prison , one often feels the bleakness that engulfed the prisoners through time.

It is now open as a museum with various artifacts from the prisoners and guards throughout the time period that the prison was in operation.

The Complex also hosts other collections as well. Across the street in the old horse and mule barns are a couple of unusual collections. One is an assortment of guns and other artifacts ( from Don and Diana Cappa) . The other collection is of "Desert John's Saloon" memorabilia ( John and Marge Bloomquist).

Cottonwood City has two displays - a restored old school house called "The Snowshoe Creek School and the  Blood Cabin, filled with historical artifacts from that time period.

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The Montana Auto Museum - successor to the Towe Ford Museum.  A fantastic museum! There are on average 115 + vehicles on display.

The oldest car a couple of year ago was a 1903 Model A Runabout. It was the first production model for Henry Ford. It sold new for $850 , weighed only 1250 lbs and could go as fast as 30 miles an hour.

There was a 1910 Kissel Kar. These cars were produced in Hartford Wisconsin, between 1906 and 1931. Other popular Kissels were the Badger, the Speedster ( at the end of WWI) and the Goldbug (1920's).

The 1907 Shacht is a sight to see! Shacht was a buggy builder who produced automobiles in Cincinnati from 1904 - 1913. After that Schacht formed a truck company and continued to maketrucks until the 1930's.

The Sears had a mail order car - the 1909 Sears Model H Runabout..these models were offered from 1908 - 1912. These cars were first produced in Evansville, Indiana, but by the late 1909 changed to the Sears factory in Chicago.

The 1905 Maxell Model Tourabout was the first model produced by the Maxwell- Briscoe Motor Co. of Tarrytown, New York. By 1910 it was the third largest manufacturer of cars. In 1913, the company reorganized and relocated to Detroit. The company continued producing cars until it was absorbed by the Chrysler Corporation in 1925.

The 1929 Model A Ford Phaeton whichwas driven by Edward Towe and his granddaughter from South America to Texas in 1993 ( a 9000 mile adventure! ).

There are motor coaches, pop up tent trailers of the 1930's...the vintage H.Earl Clack gas station replica, 1935  Reo Diamond T logging truck, 1955 Chevy Bel Air, 1924 Model T...to name just a few more.

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Yesterday's Playthings

A most amazing display of dolls, doll carriages, clothes, furniture that is continually being changed to showcase different collections - dating back to 1835. A must see!

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The Powell County Museum.

Features an impressive weapon collection of Paul Elberson, the jukebox and slot machine collection of Wes Harr, local history displays and a gallery. The galleries change quite often making this place a wonderful stop to make when you are out on a drive or picnic.