Basin was founded in 1880 by two miners named Allport and Lawson. The first post office was established that same year with Julius Martin as the postmaster. A trade center was started when prospectors found gold in 1862 in this area, and ore was sent to Butte. Most of the buildings that had been built are of frame construction with second-story false fronts which were common to the nineteenth century camps.
Throughout the years Basin’s smelter has been opened and closed due to high smelting charges and low silver prices. On the edge of town stands a reminder of Basin’s activity, a huge mill dating back to the 1900s. The town fluctuated in size, holding nearly 8,000 people during boom times, and as few as 220 as today.
40th Annual Kyi-Yo (Missoula)
(April 18 - 20, 2008)
Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Spring Show - (Kalispell)
(April 19 - 20, 2008)
Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale: Cello Passion - (Billings)
(April 19, 2008)
Annual Helena Railroad Fair (Helena)
(April 27, 2008)
2008 Ice Breaker Road Race (Great Falls)
(April 27, 2008)
Taste the Best of Bigfork (Bigfork)
(April 28, 2008)
For more information on events in Montana visit our Events page.