Deer Lodge, Montana is the county seat of Powell County. Today, the city is best known for the Montana State Prison, which is located there. However, Deer Lodge is the second oldest town in Montana, and has had several names since it was first founded, including LaBarge City, Spanish Fork, Cottonwood, Deer Lodge City, and currently Deer Lodge. Gold was discovered there in 1852, on what is now known as Gold Creek, which was the first discovery of gold in Montana. Pan and sluice mining began in 1860, attracting several other prospectors. Deer Lodge County was organized in 1865, as one of the original eight counties in the newly formed Territory of Montana, and the city of Deer Lodge served as its county seat. However, in 1883, Marcus Daly constructed a smelter in what became the city of Anaconda, whose population soon exceeded that of Deer Lodge and, in 1897, Anaconda was named the seat of Deer Lodge County. In 1901, the city of Deer Lodge and northern Deer Lodge County split the county, and Anaconda remained the seat of Deer Lodge County, while the newly created county became Powell County, with Deer Lodge as its seat. Deer Lodge was also an important railroad town once, as the division headquarters of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, until it closed in 1980. Deer Lodge was once the home of the College of Montana, the first institution of higher learning in the state, which operated from 1878 to 1916. Deer Lodge is north of Warm Springs and south of Garrison.
 
 
Recommended Resources
The full-service mixed animal practice in Deer Lodge, Montana provides medical, surgical and dental care for all species, from family pets to ranch animals. Its location, services, and an overview of the facilities is offered.
http://www.clarkforkvet.com/
Affiliated with the Assemblies of God Church denomination, the Deer Lodge, Montana congregation is featured, including its beliefs and practices, service times, and an audio sermon archive.
http://www.deerlodgeassembly.org/
The guide to the community includes a history and profile of the city, area maps, and a directory of local entertainment venues, financial institutions, food and beverage outlets, hotels and campgrounds, museums and galleries, churches, and other businesses.
http://www.deerlodge-montana.com/
Managed by Cypress Healthcare, the non-profit community hospital is located in Deer Lodge, Montana, offering inpatient and outpatient care, 24-hour emergency care, physical therapy, general surgery, chiropractic care, and other specialty services. Its services, providers, and clinics are highlighted.
http://www.dlmed.org/
The K-8th grade public school district consists of three school campuses: OD Speer, Granville Stuart, and EF Duvall. A district calendar, a district policy manual, and contacts for each of its school campuses are presented.
http://www.deerlodgeschools.org/
The Deer Lodge, Montana congregation meets at its facilities on Sam Beck Road. Sunday School and worship service times are posted, along with sermon verses, announcements, photographs, and an overview of its ministries.
http://www.firstbaptistdl.org/
Immaculate Conception Church & Saint Theodore Mission
The Immaculate Conception parish was the first Catholic parish in Montana Territory, and Catholic missionaries were active in the area prior to 1866. A history of the church is featured, along with historic photographs, directions, bulletins, and reports.
http://www.icdeerlodge.org/
Situated in Deer Lodge, Montana, the campground features seventy RV and tent sites, with full hook-ups, drive-through sites, free wireless Internet, and cable TV. General information about the campground, its rates, and reservation policies are featured.
http://indiancreekcampground.net/
Situated on Missouri Avenue, in Deer Lodge, Montana, the public library’s hours of operation, calendar of events, and collections of books, DVDs, and other resources are featured, including downloadable ebooks and other online resources.
http://www.kohrslibrarymt.org/
Powell County Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is a non-profit organization made up of businesses in Deer Lodge and Powell County, Montana. Its site features a history of the county seat and a guide to county events, local services, maps, and photographs.
http://www.powellcountymontana.com/
The 9-12th grade school is part of the Powell County High School District, and located in Deer Lodge, Montana. Administrative, faculty and staff contacts are published, along with an overview of its academic and athletics programs.
http://www.pchs.dl.k12.mt.us/
Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation
The non-profit membership organization operates the Old Montana Prison as a museum, which includes museum buildings on three blocks outside of the Old Prison walls. Museum opening times are posted, and new exhibits and collections are highlighted.
http://www.pcmaf.org/
This (type of hotel), which is located in Deer Lodge, provides a guide to rooms, amenities, facilities, and services.
http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-deer_lodge-montana-MT059
Driving directions and schedules are published for the Christian congregation in Deer Lodge, Montana, along with photographs, audio sermons, and a history of the church. Announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.deerlodgevineyard.org/
The 20-room Deer Lodge, Montana hotel is located near Rock Creek Lake and the Grant-Kohrs Historic Site. The facilities and accommodations are highlighted, including amenities, and area attractions and services. Rooms may be booked online.
http://www.westernbigskyinn.com/