Fort Missoula was established as a military post near Missoula, Montana in 1877 and in 1975, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula (HMFM) was founded. Today the Museum exhibits are located in the Quartermaster’s Storehouse and the Museum’s 32-acre park contains a number of historic buildings. The Noncommissioned Officer’s Quarters is one of the last original Fort buildings. This duplex log building was built in 1878.
According to the display:
“Noncommissioned officer’s housing was fairly standard throughout the country. This log cabin is “T” shaped and would have been split into two units to accommodate two separate families.”
With regard to the Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) in the army, the display states:
“Often called the backbone of the army, Noncommissioned Officers have played a vital role within the American military since the first militia was formed at the Jamestown colony. Especially after the Civil War, Noncommissioned Officers were often individuals with prior military combat experience. Individuals were assigned to a particular company, and sometimes served with the same company for many years.”
Shown above is the interior.
Shown above is a detail of the log construction.
Ghost Town Display
One of the rooms in the NCO building contains a display for the Western Montana Ghost Town Preservation Society. The miniature models of ghost town buildings represent buildings preserved by the Society.
Shown above is the Saloon in Elkhorn, Montana. The Elkhorn silver strike was in 1870 and the mine closed in 1900. At one time, Elkhorn’s main street had fourteen saloons, three hotels, and a variety of shops including a butcher, a candy store, jewelers, and barbers.
Shown above is Worden’s General Store in Hellgate, Montana.
Shown above is the Marysville Church.
Carriage House
The Carriage House was used to store a buggy and tack for families living in the NCO quarters. It was built in 1880, was sold and removed from the Fort in 1958, and finally returned to its original location in 1974.
More museum photo tours
Fort Missoula: Historic Buildings (photo diary)
Fort Missoula: One-room schoolhouse (photo diary)
Museums 101: The Sedman House in Nevada City (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Government Buildings in a Mining Town (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: A Trapper's Cabin (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Maki Homestead Cabin (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Wah Chong Tai Merchantile (Photo Diary
Museums 101: The Old Montana Prison (Photo Diary)
