Ennis, MT
"Lewis and Clark crossed Madison Valley in 1805, but it would be several more years before settlers discovered the area. Gold was discovered in Alder Gulch in 1863 bringing on The Rush. Madison County was created in 1864 in what was then Idaho Territory. The area was designated Montana Territory that same year. Two months after gold was discovered in Alder Gulch, William Ennis homesteaded the site along the Madison River which quickly became the Town of Ennis. Mr. Jeffers did likewise across the river. The two towns, their bridges, the tall grass and favorable climate soon attracted ranchers, farmers and businessmen. Three major stage lines freighted through Ennis by the late 1880’s. Livestock thrived, wild game was plentiful and White Cloud’s tribe of Bannock Indians were valued friends of the settlers. The town of Ennis was incorporated in 1956."
- ennismontana.org
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