It began as a trading post for the placer mining camps of Beartown, Garnet and Coloma, located in the hills north of Bearmouth in Granite County.

A pioneer family named Lannen operated the gold exchange and ferry boat across the Clark Fork River.

In September 1841, Jesuit priest Pierre Jean De Smet, traveled westward through this area on his way from St. Louis, to establish a mission for the Flathead Indians in the Bitterroot Valley.

The post office, saloon, and general store ledger books are in the collection as well as financial records and legal documents from Christopher Lannen.

The collection also contains photographs and memorabilia and is located at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, K. Ross Toole Archives, University of Montana.