Historic Digital Portal
How to use the archival portal
- Keyword: Use asterisks * before and after the word or phrase you're using. This helps the system search for any document containing the exact phrase anywhere in the text.
- Example: *Missoula County*
- Last name: Enter the last name of the individual. This will return all documents with their name.
- To narrow down results, add the first name in the first name field.
- Document type: Use the list below to select for a certain type of document. Definitions are listed below as well.
Use broader terms first, then narrow your search using additional fields as needed. Not every field is required. Double-check spelling for names and keywords.
Types of archival or historical records
Click the arrows below to use the glossary and learn about the different types of documents available.
A legal document that establishes a corporation, outlining its name, purpose, and structure. It is filed with the state to legally create the corporation.
Originally used for land use and transportation planning, these aerial images capture snapshots of neighborhoods at specific points in time. They provide a visual record of how areas have changed over the years.
Formal, legally binding documents that outline the terms, rights, and responsibilities between two or more parties. They cover a range of topics like land transactions, business deals, and personal arrangements, helping ensure clarity and resolve disputes.
A legal document that records the transfer of personal property, noting the buyer, seller, item description, price, and date. Often used for sales of livestock, equipment, vehicles, and other goods, it serves as proof of the transaction.
A collection of letters and communications sent to county commissioners and other officials from the late 1800s to the 1940s. Though past their official retention period, they are preserved for their historical value and glimpse into local government affairs.
A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party to another. It includes details like the names of the buyer and seller, property description, and terms of transfer.
A formal land claim used during homesteading to assert the right to occupy and improve up to 160 acres. It signaled intent to settle and, after meeting certain requirements, could lead to full land ownership. These records reflect early settlement and homesteading efforts.
A curated collection of historic photographs and maps sourced from the Missoula County Archives, the Missoula Historic Preservation Office, and community-donated materials. These visuals highlight the evolving landscape, architecture, and daily life throughout the county’s history, offering a unique glimpse into the past through both official records and personal collections.
A legal agreement in which a borrower pledges property as security for a loan. It outlines the terms of repayment and the lender's rights if the borrower defaults.
A map or diagram that shows the divisions, boundaries, and layout of a piece of land, typically used for property development or legal transactions.
Documents and materials, donated or researched by Records Management staff, related to significant local events, preserved for historical research.
These documents provide insight into the legal rights that allowed married women to own, manage, and control property independently of their husbands. These records reflect significant legal and social changes that advanced women's autonomy and challenged traditional norms surrounding marriage and property ownership.
These records document a legal status that allowed married women to run businesses independently, as if they were single. Gained through court approval, this status expanded economic opportunities at a time when married women’s commercial rights were otherwise limited.