National Register Listing

Rising Sun Auto Camp

a.k.a. Roes Creek Auto Camp;East Glacier Auto Camp;Rose Creek Auto

500 ft. N of Going-to-the-Sun Rd. at St. Mary Lake, Glacier NP, St. Mary, MT
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The town of Libby, Montana, was the site of one of the worst environmental disasters in US history, when it was discovered that vermiculite mined from the area was contaminated with asbestos. The contamination led to widespread illness and death, and cleanup efforts have been ongoing for several decades.
Montana random facts
Glacier County, located in the northwestern part of Montana, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet people. These nomadic tribes relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for their sustenance.

In the 1800s, European fur traders arrived in the region, establishing trading posts and establishing relationships with the Native American tribes. However, conflicts between the settlers and the Blackfeet escalated, leading to the Blackfeet Wars of the late 1860s and early 1870s. The wars resulted in the relocation of the Blackfeet to reservations but also paved the way for further settlement in the area.

The discovery of gold in the nearby Coeur d'Alene Mountains in the late 1800s brought a wave of miners to Glacier County. The influx of people led to the establishment of towns and the construction of trading posts, saloons, and other businesses. However, the mining boom was short-lived, and as the gold rush subsided, the population dwindled.

In the early 20th century, Glacier National Park was established in 1910, encompassing a significant portion of Glacier County. The park became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning mountain peaks, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Today, Glacier County continues to thrive as a gateway to Glacier National Park, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, tourism, and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Glacier County, Montana.

  • 1795 - The Blackfeet tribe inhabits the area that would later become Glacier County, Montana.
  • 1806 - The Lewis and Clark expedition passes through the region.
  • 1855 - The Blackfeet tribe signs the Hellgate Treaty, ceding their land to the US government.
  • 1891 - Glacier County is established and named after its proximity to Glacier National Park.
  • 1895 - The first homesteaders arrive in the county.
  • 1910 - Glacier National Park is established, attracting tourists to the area.
  • 1932 - The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic highway through the park, is completed.
  • 1940s - The construction of Hungry Horse Dam and reservoir begins.
  • 1988 - The Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2003 - The Blackfeet Tribe opens the Glacier Peaks Casino.