Getting to Know Dillon Montana and Beaverhead County

Beaverhead County Tourism Information

Dillon Montana News and Information

University of Montana Western

History of Dillon and Beaverhead County
The history of Dillon and the story of its development reflect the combination of ranchers and businessmen. In 1880 the Utah and Northern Railroad came to this area en route to Butte. The "end of the track" town was called Terminus. This town moved with the railroad, bringing all of the necessary services. During the winter of 1880-1881, Dillon was the railroad's "end of the track".

Dillon's streets parallel the railroad and many are named for the businessmen who formed Dillon during this time. Since some of the first cattle herds and flocks of sheep in Montana were located in Beaverhead Valley, Dillon quickly became the social and economic center for the area's agricultural elements. Dillon  has a Mayor/Council form of government and is the county seat of Beaverhead County.

One of Montana's first public institutions of higher education, now University of Montana Western, is located in Dillon. The original building is still used by the college today.  The college uses an inovative teaching system of studying only one subject for several hours a day for several weeks at a time before the student changes to a different subject which is called "Experience One", or the Block Program.  The Natural Horsemanship program is well attended by students from all over the U.S.A. as well as from several forien countries.

As you enjoy the beauty of architecture of Dillon's historic buildings, may you also enjoy the stories associated with each. The Terminus town that began in 1880 changed from a temporary end of the track to a true community. Dillon and Beaverhead County are the story of people-people with a strong work ethic, faith, and belief in the future.

Dillon Banks

State Bank & Trust

Pioneer Federal Savings & Loan

High Peaks Federal Credit Union

Wells Fargo Bank

Stockman Bank, Dillon Branch 406- 683-8200