Superior, Montana, nestled in the heart of the Bitterroot Range, is a small town with a rich and colorful past. Founded in 1869 and named after Superior, Wisconsin, the town came into prominence during the Cedar Creek gold rush, which attracted miners and settlers eager to seek their fortune. The establishment of a post office in 1871 marked the town's growing permanence in the region.
While mining was the original economic driver, Superior eventually shifted toward timber and logging—industries that continue to shape its identity today. In 1914, Superior was designated as the county seat of the newly formed Mineral County, further solidifying its role as a regional hub.
One of the most historically significant events tied to Superior is its place in the origin story of the Gideon Bible distribution. In 1908, at the Superior Hotel, the very first Gideon Bible was placed in a guest room by Edna Wilkinson—a humble beginning that sparked what would become a worldwide tradition . Today, millions of hotel rooms across the globe contain Gideon Bibles, and it all began right in Superior.
The town's legacy is preserved in landmarks like the Colonial Revival-style Superior School (built in 1916) and the Mineral County Courthouse (completed in 1920). These buildings, along with the story of the Gideon Bibles, serve as lasting reminders of Superior's contributions to both regional history and global communities.
