Mineral County is located on the western edge of Montana on the border of Idaho. Long inhabited by aboriginal peoples—including the Salish and Pend d’Oreille—Mineral County became a major transportation route with the construction of John Mullan’s military wagon road, which opened the county to gold-seekers and settlers in 1859. As railroads connected Mineral County with far-flung places, more settlers arrived and made Mineral County their home. Because the vast majority of the county is National Forest land, the U.S. Forest Service has played a critical role in shaping its development. Communities built around timber and mining have thrived here despite major forest fires, heavy snows, and a rugged landscape. This website is dedicated to the rich natural and cultural heritage of Mineral County, with sponsorship from the Mineral County Historical Society and Museum. It offers a portal for exploring the history of the land, people, and places that make the region unique.