Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Parade Grounds

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

1. Parade Grounds Marker

Inscription. The original Fort Missoula was constructed of log and frame and was neither fortified nor enclosed. The buildings, arranged around the first parade grounds, no longer stand, but their foundations are clearly visible, bordering the area where early troops did their drills. During reconstruction of the fort from 1904 to 1912, new officers’ housing was built facing southwest toward the new parade grounds which then became the center of the fort. In addition to military drills, the parade grounds served as a baseball diamond. As reconstruction neared completion in June of 1911, Fort Missoula held an open house and hosted a technological milestone. Two special Northern Pacific trains brought excited visitors from the Bitterroot Valley to the fort while extra streetcars delivered crowds of well wishers every 15 minutes. Guests were invited to view Eugene Ely’s Curtiss biplane, which was parked on the parade grounds, and inspect the fort’s newly reconstructed buildings. Later in the day, Ely took off from here in his flying machine, marking Missoula’s first aviation event.

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 50.5′ N, 114° 3.518′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It can be reached from C Road near D Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Missoula MT 59804, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Post Headquarters (a few steps from this marker); Fort Missoula Post Headquarters (T-2) Building (a few steps from this marker); T-1 Post Headquarters (within shouting distance

Parade Grounds and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

2. Parade Grounds and Marker

of this marker); Fort Missoula Post Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); 1877 Fort Missoula Officers' Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Missoula Recreation Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Missoula 1910 Era Barrack Buildings (about 400 feet away); Fort Missoula Post Hospital (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of Fort Missoula.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 235 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 13, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.