Hellgate Canyon facts for kids

Hellgate Canyon is a long, narrow valley in Montana, carved out by the Clark Fork River. It is located just east of the city of Missoula. This canyon stretches for about fifty miles. The very start of the canyon is known as Hell's Gate. It is a significant natural landmark in Missoula County.

Why is it Called Hellgate Canyon?

The name Hellgate Canyon comes from a historical event. Long ago, different Native American tribes sometimes had conflicts. In this canyon, the Flathead Indians faced a difficult battle against the Blackfeet tribe. People saw signs of these past conflicts, which they called "gates of hell." This powerful description eventually gave the canyon its unique name.

What Makes Hellgate Canyon Historically Important?

Hellgate Canyon holds many secrets from the past. It has been an important place for thousands of years.

Ancient Art: Pictographs

Inside Hellgate Canyon, you can find ancient pictographs. These are drawings or symbols painted on rock walls. Experts believe these amazing artworks are about 5,000 years old. They give us a peek into the lives of people who lived here long, long ago.

Famous Explorers and Travelers

• Lewis and Clark: The famous explorers Lewis and Clark traveled through Hellgate Canyon. This happened during their big journey across the Western United States in the early 1800s. They were mapping and exploring new lands.
• Carrie Strahorn: In the late 1800s, another explorer named Carrie Strahorn visited the canyon. She wrote about her stagecoach ride there in 1878. She described a beautiful spot above the canyon. It was like a "Lover’s Lane" formed by an arch of wild roses.

A Key Travel Route

During the mid-1800s, more settlers began to move into Montana. Hellgate Canyon became a very important pathway.

• Mullan Road: The Mullan Road was built through the canyon. This was one of the first major roads in the region.
• Railroads: Later, the Northern Pacific Railroad and the Milwaukee Road also built their tracks along a similar path. This shows how crucial the canyon was for travel and trade.

Native American Hunting Grounds

French-Canadian settlers in Montana believed that local Native American tribes used Hellgate Canyon. They thought tribes like the Flathead Nation traveled through it to hunt for bison. This shows the canyon's role in the traditional ways of life for many Native American groups.