Near Lolo in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Bitterroot Valley, Homeland of the Selíš
Long ago, the Selíš lived between here and the Yellowstone. Smallpox epidemics and war with rifle-armed Plains tribes led them to concentrate within the Bitterroot. They continued to hunt buffalo east of the mountains.
In 1885 (sic, 1855), the Hellgate Treaty designated the valley south of Lolo Creek a "conditional' reservation. Elders still recall with bitterness and grief their forced removal to the Flathead Indian Reservation in 1891. The Bitterroot Valley remains of great spiritual and material importance to the Selíš, who revisit and utilize their cherished homeland, the resting place of countless ancestors.
Erected by Montana Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans.
Location. 46° 44.516′ N, 114° 4.88′ W. Marker is near Lolo, Montana, in Missoula County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Delarka Drive, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 93. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13498 US Highway 93, Lolo MT 59847, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lewis and Clark in Salish Territory (here, next to this marker); Uncovering the Expedition (approx. 0.6 miles away); Following Formation (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Journey Home (approx. 0.7 miles away); Travellers Rest (approx. 0.8 miles away); A Crossroads of Culture (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Lolo Trail (approx. 1.1 miles away); Lewis and Clark on Lolo Creek (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lolo.
More about this marker. It is currently sitting on the ground because the wooden posts holding it are broken, likely due to age.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on November 18, 2019, by Susan Doverspike of Stevensville, Montana. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 17, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.