At the time the
Civil War was raging on the East Coast of the United States
(1860-1865), many pioneer families were discovering new fame
and fortune in the West. The ‘49ers
had already discovered
California and others were starting to settle the vast plains
and mountain ranges in between. As early as 1863 Melvin Ross
planted a flag on the top of
a mountain, in Montana Territory,
that would forever bear his name. Ross Peak, in the following
years, looked down on and protected the tiny, growing
community
of Springhill
which grew west at the base of the mountain along Ross Creek.
As with many early settlers, the first comers to Springhill planted
many apple
orchards and gardens. In some cases today, the only evidence left of a
homestead
are the
remnants of the orchards. The historical timeline shows the
intensity of
development that led to the incorporation of the little town
of Springhill in 1871.
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