Between 1804 and 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition named this area "Phlosopher's River," and it was later called Windville. Near here, Sacajawea, a Shoshone Indian, was captured as a girl by Minnataree Indians, and she later accompanied and interpreted for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The area was settled by many Civil War dissidents, and the Sturgis Ranch served as a stage stop. In 1864, the Mount Green Cemetery was platted, Willow Creek has had a post office since 1867, and private schools began in 1882. Montana's Southern Methodist churches were first organized here by Rev L.B. Stateler, electric lights were provided in 1918 by Mack and Black Garage, and both the Northern Pacific and Milwaukee railroads came through Willow Creek. Montana's initial point, from which all Montana land is surveyed, is approximately 3 miles south.