Missoula, Montana

Missoula ) is a city located in western Montana and is the county seat of Missoula County. The 2010 Census put Missoula's population at 66,788 making it the second largest city in Montana. The 2010 census put the population of Missoula County at 109,299. Missoula is rapidly growing; it had the third largest actual growth of any city in Montana with an increase in population of 9,735 since 2000. Missoula is the principal city of the Missoula Metropolitan Area. Downtown Missoula is considered the center of the city.Missoula was founded in 1860 as Hellgate Trading Post before being renamed Missoula Mills ("Missoula" from the Salish name for the area, "Nemissoolatakoo", and "Mills" after the prosperous flour mill and sawmill that served as Missoula's first industry). "Mills" was dropped from the name and in 1877, the establishment of Fort Missoula ensured the survival of the city.Missoula is nicknamed the "Garden City", in reference to the large number of orchard homes that once lined its periphery and an extensive vegetable and flower garden owned by Cyrus and William McWhirk that formed the eastern entrance to the city. Though founded as a lumber and agricultural center as well as a trading post, the basis of Missoula's modern economy is the University of Montana, government, healthcare, tourism, and professional services.In addition to the University of Montana, Missoula is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, Jeannette Rankin, and the home of Montana's largest brewery. Missoula is also the headquarters of Montana Rail Link.