Columbia Falls Historical Society celebrates 130th anniversary of Old Main
Lois Smith, foreground, of the Columbia Falls Historical Society, helps clean up around the Old Main at the Montana Veterans Home.
The Columbia Falls Historical Society will host a public celebration on Saturday, May 30, marking the 130th anniversary of the laying of the Old Main cornerstone, Montana’s original Soldiers Home. The event will take place from 2–4 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
The event will feature live music and guest speakers, followed by an old-fashioned ice cream social.
Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in honoring this important piece of Montana history.
Honoring a Historic Landmark
On May 30, 1896, the cornerstone of what would become known as “Old Main” was laid on a scenic bench overlooking the Flathead River. Construction was completed in just one year, a remarkable feat for the era, and the first resident was admitted in June of 1897. Old Main, Montana’s original Soldiers Home, initially served as a home for honorably discharged Union soldiers from the Civil War, and those who fought in the Mexican-American War and Indian Wars, and was in continual use until the 1970s.
The laying of the cornerstone marked more than the beginning of construction — it symbolized Montana’s early dedication to honoring those who served and establishing a permanent home for veterans in need. Over the past 130 years, Old Main has stood as a powerful reminder of that commitment, as well as a cornerstone of the Columbia Falls community itself.
A Community Celebration
“This anniversary is an opportunity not only to reflect on the history of Old Main, but to celebrate the role it continues to play in our community,” said Peg Sorensen, president of the Columbia Falls Historical Society. “We welcome everyone to join us in recognizing the legacy of service, sacrifice, and stewardship that this site represents.”
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and friends, along with lawn chairs, to enjoy the festivities and learn more about the ongoing efforts to preserve and honor the historic landmark. Families are also encouraged to visit the museum’s display table if they have information to share about past residents and/or employees of the Veterans Home.
About the Columbia Falls Historical Society
The Columbia Falls Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Columbia Falls area and the surrounding region. Through education, community engagement, and preservation efforts, the organization works to ensure that local history remains accessible and meaningful for future generations.