FEBRUARY 2023 Ghost Towns and History of Montana Newsletter MOOSE CREEK RANGER STATION From the River Press, Feb. 3, 1897 This is the oldest district headquarters on the Helena National Forest that still exists. The Forest Service had several facilities built with this standard design and is an example of the organized “infrastructure” the agency developed in the early years. Records indicate that this site was put into use on April 6, 1908. A 1911 map shows facilities on both sides of the creek and up Moose Creek as well. Correspondence dated 1912 mentions a log house 27 x 29 feet, a log barn 21 x 29 feet, and a log chicken house 11 x 2 feet. This ranger station was in use until 1928 when the district was combined with the McClellan District in the North Elkhorns. Headquarters moved to Helena. This location then became part of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp which was established just up the road (where snowmobile parking lot is located). After that, it became part of a war dog training facility during World War II. Correspondence in 1939 from a Forest Supervisor to a Regional Forester noted: It is planned at this time that the Camp Rimini Superintendent will occupy the station residence and that the entire station including residence, barn and pasture will be reconditioned for use after the CCC camp is moved. In 1946 the cabin was authorized under the terms of a special use permit and private entities used the cabin recreationally for many years. In 1998 the station was deeded back to the Forest Service and has undergone considerable restoration efforts. This cabin is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and is maintained and managed for its historic and recreational value. It is now on the cabin rental program for your enjoyAccessed via: https://montananewspapers.org
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