This is Lewis and Clark country. It is also a true part of the Treasure State. Gold was discovered here in the 1860's and rubies can still be found in the Ruby Valley only 20 miles from Ennis.

Lewis and Clark found their way into the Madison Valley back in 1805. While there is no direct record of their ever stepping foot in what is now Ennis, it can be assumed that at least some of their party came this way as the explorers wended their way through the area that is now Twin Bridges, not too far from Ennis.

Prior to the arrival of the white man, Shoshone, Flathead and Bannock Indians hunted the valley. Historians say the winters were too fierce for the Indians to make their permanent home in the valley, but the lushness and generosity of the land brought them to the area each spring for a month-long stay.

In 1863, gold was discovered in Alder Gulch. Madison County was created in 1864 in what was then Idaho Territory. In that same year, the area was designated the Montana Territory.

Two months after gold was discovered in Alder Gulch, William Ennis, a freighter who delivered goods from Colorado to the area, decided to set up shop along the banks of the Madison River. That site along the reiver quickly became the town of Ennis.

Today, the Madison Valley is primarily cattle country. Prize Herefords and Black Angus are raised along with hay and grain. The spirit of the old west lives on in the local farms, ranches and rodeos. Ennis continues as the hub of this active region, a community of 1,000 people, eager to make you feel welcome.