Hamilton

Hamilton is a town in western Montana situated at about 3,570 feet (1,088 meters) in a valley surrounded by mountains and the Bitterroot River. The landscape features the river flowing through grasslands and forested slopes that define the area's geography.

The settlement was founded in 1891 by Marcus Daly, who built it around farming and timber industries in the Bitterroot Valley. The town's origins reflected the economic opportunities that drew people to develop the area.

The Ravalli County Museum displays objects and photos from Native American heritage and early settlement periods that help visitors understand how people have lived in this valley for centuries. Walking through the exhibits, you get a sense of the region's connections to its past inhabitants and pioneers.

The town sits on US Highway 93, which provides easy access to hiking trails, national forests, and outdoor recreation throughout the year. This central location makes it convenient to explore surrounding natural areas regardless of the season.

The Rocky Mountain Laboratories, a federal biomedical research facility, operates in the town and brings scientific investigation to the community. This institution conducts specialized research that has importance beyond the region itself.