DescriptionThis town near the shores of St. Mary Lake had a wild start, boasting 7 saloons in the 1890s. The post office opened in 1898. It is assumed that the community takes its name from the lake. There were sporadic logging operations around the lake before the establishment of Glacier National Park in 1910. After designation of the park, St. Mary served as an eastern entrance. Hugh and Margaret Black recognized the tourist potential of the community and constructed one-room cabins, a restaurant, and a gas station, adding 2 motels during the 1940s and completing the St. Mary Lodge in 1952. Personal NamesBlack, HughBlack MargaretContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation4561 ft.CountyGlacier County
