Welcome to Twin Bridges, a historic site steeped in the rich tapestry of American exploration and settlement. Located where the Big Hole, Ruby, and Beaverhead rivers converge to form the Jefferson River, Twin Bridges is a place where history flows as freely as the waters. This Montana town owes its name to the two bridges built by Judge Mortimer Lott and his brother John Lott in the late 19th century. These pioneers saw the potential of this fertile land and established the town in 1867, capitalizing on the natural crossing of the rivers that had long been used by Indigenous peoples.
The area’s history goes back to the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, who traversed these lands on hunting expeditions, often meeting other tribes at the Three Forks to hunt buffalo. These trails became vital paths for the Lott brothers, who recognized the strategic importance of the location and built toll bridges that laid the foundation for the town’s development.
The site also holds a special place in the annals of American exploration. On August 3, 1805, the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through what would become Twin Bridges. Captain William Clark returned to camp near here on July 11, 1806. These explorers provided one of the earliest detailed accounts of the region, noting the challenging terrain and the presence of native wildlife.
In the mid-19th century, Richard Grant, a former Hudson’s Bay Company agent, further established the area by developing a ranching community. He ingeniously traded healthy livestock with weary travelers on the Oregon Trail, thus boosting the local cattle industry and contributing to the region’s economic growth.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Twin Bridges continued to evolve. In 1894, the town was chosen as the location for Montana’s state orphanage, a facility that shaped the lives of many children until it closed in 1975.
Today, Twin Bridges stands as a testament to the perseverance of early settlers and the enduring legacy of its Indigenous history. As you explore this historic town, let the stories of its past guide you through a journey of exploration and discovery.
