Frenchtown, MT
Established- 1858
Population- 1,629
Elevation- 3,038′
Frenchtown, Montana, owes its name and origins to French-Canadian settlers who, around 1858, moved inland with their Métis families, establishing a community that would later become a hub along the historic Mullan Road and the Milwaukee Road railway. The St. Louis Catholic Church, built in 1864, and the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, dedicated in 1884 and now a National Register-listed landmark, speak to the deep roots of these early residents. While a large paper mill operated in Frenchtown from 1957 until its closure in 2010, marking a significant industrial chapter, the community has since shifted its focus. Today, living in Frenchtown offers a rural, community-oriented lifestyle just a short drive northwest of Missoula, providing residents with the peace of country living and convenient access to city amenities. The area boasts beautiful natural surroundings, including the Clark Fork River and Frenchtown Pond State Park, popular for swimming, fishing, and paddling, making it an attractive place for those who appreciate outdoor recreation and a quieter pace, while still being part of the broader Missoula metropolitan area.