Willow Creek in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Willow Creek

(Philosopher's River - Windville)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

1. Willow Creek Marker

Inscription. The 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition named this area "Phlosopher's River." Later it was called Windville. As a girl, Sacajawea, a Shoshone Indian, was captured near here by Minnataree Indians. Later she accompanied and interpreted for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This area was settled by many Civil War dissidents. The Sturgis Ranch was a stage stop. In 1864 the Mount Green Cemetery was platted. Willow Creek has had a post office since 1867. Private schools began in 1882. Montana's Southern Methodist churches were first organized here by Rev L.B. Stateler. In 1918 electric lights were provided by Mack and Black Garage. Both the Northern Pacific and Milwaukee railroads came through Willow Creek. Montana's initial point, from which all Montana land is surveyed, is approx 3 miles south.

Erected by Gallatin County.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 45° 49.708′ N, 111° 38.692′ W. Marker is in Willow Creek, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is on Meridian Cemetery Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: Old Yellowstone Trail, Willow Creek MT 59760, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Stateler Memorial Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Parker Homestead State Park (approx. 2 miles away); George Drouillard (1773-1810) (approx. 5.4 miles away); Pogreba Field (approx. 5½ miles away); Airway Radio Station (approx. 5½ miles away); Ruby Theatre (approx. 6.3 miles away); Three Valleys State Bank (approx. 6.3 miles away); Adams Block (approx. 6.3 miles away).

Also see . . . Willow Creek History -- Headwaters Heritage Museum. Mount Green Cemetery had its beginning on December 31, 1864, in a howling blizzard. A lone man, struggling through the storm toward Willow Creek, made it to the hill, where the cemetery is now located, when he fell exhausted and froze to death about halfway between the James Green and McGaugh cabins. The next morning members of the McGaugh family found him and he was buried unidentified at thfJ point where he was found. James Green later donated sufficient land for a community cemetery there. (Submitted on March 3, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2021

2. Willow Creek Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 3, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 3, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.