John Mullan Jr. (July 31, 1830 – December 28, 1909) was an American soldier, explorer, civil servant, and road builder.

After graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1852, he joined the Northern Pacific Railroad Survey.

He extensively explored western Montana and portions of southeastern Idaho, and led the construction crew which built the Mullan Road in Montana, Idaho, and Washington territories between the spring of 1859 and summer of 1860.

It was a harrowing experience spending the winter, with his men almost starving, near DeBorgia and constant issues with the Native Americans.

By modern standards it wasn't much of a road, but it was a key to progress. In many ways a remarkable achievement.

Specifications called for it to be 25 feet wide, graded to permit wagon passage and with the necessary stream crossings, be they fords, bridges, or ferries.

Actually, Mullan had his hard-working laborers clear the forested stretches to 60 feet to admit sunlight for snowmelt and to minimize blockage by deadfalls.

The annual Mullan Road Conference started in 1989 at the dedication of the John Mullan statue in St. Regis and until COVID claimed most events in 2020, it had run every year with people attending from all parts of the Northwest.

Actually, at the initial event, a few of Mullan’s relatives were in attendance which sparked enough enthusiasm to make this a yearly celebration.

It was always held in Mineral County until 2005 and then it started rotating between many different towns along the road from Walla Walla, Washington, to Fort Benton, Montana, including Missoula and Helena.

The history of the road is fascinating and almost unbelievable of certain challenges and struggles Captain Mullan’s team faced and these annual gatherings give residents a stronger knowledge of the history of their areas.

2020 was Mineral County’s turn to host and many people spent a tremendous amount of time and effort putting together the two-day event, only to have to cancel it.

But most of the heavy lifting has been completed because of this work, yet the Mineral County Historical Society is needing to know if the county is still behind having it.

Speakers, programs, tours, etc. are all in line but there is an issue of local support for funding. It was penciled out that 80 people who will contribute $80 or more by June 1 is the deciding factor.

As of this writing, 46 have committed. The money is not needed until the event in September, just a handshake that you’ll help.

However, checks could be mailed to the MCHS, P.O. Box 533 Superior 59872. More information and questions can be answered by call Peggy Temple, Chair of the MCHS at 406-822-3543.