The Place:
Ronan is one of several smaller townships in Lake County, located in the beautiful Mission Valley. As of 2014 the population of Ronan was just under 2,000. The population of Lake County is approximately 29,000, tenth largest in Montana.
Originally called Spring Creek, Ronan's name was changed in 1885 to Ronan Springs in honor of Major Peter Ronan, superintendent of the Flathead Indian Reservation, and in 1894 the name was shortened to Ronan. It was incorporated February 29, 1912.
Ronan, with its lush valley and moderate climate, is well suited to diverse agricultural enterprises. Montana with its motto "Big Sky Country" is evident here is Ronan. The Mission Valley surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Mission Mountain Range, rivers and the nearby Flathead Lake, Ronan offers year-round recreation, including lake and stream fishing, birding, hiking, golfing, rafting, boating, camping and snowmobiling.
Spring Creek runs through parts of Ronan including Bockman Park with its many trails, pavilion and lush green space, tables and benches and several foot bridges.
We found the warm hospitality, friendly people of Ronan to be engaging and there was the familiar greeting, "Howdy, folks."
Ronan has several old grain elevators, maybe your last chance to see one as they are slowing being torn down. Another great place to visit is the Garden of the Rockies Museum. Though small by most standards it is loaded with local history, antique farm equipment and is conveniently located about 500 meters west from town hall. The National Bison Range is about 30 km SW of Ronan; if you are heading in that direction, this is a bucket list should see while in the area.
Ronan has a city government system with a mayor and council members. The police and fire department are part of this governing body.
The Person:
Major Peter Ronan was superintendent of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes for 14 years, from 1877 to 1893. Born in Nova Scotia in 1839, Ronan was an early arrival at Alder Gulch when gold was found there in 1863. He ran newspapers in Virginia City and Helena before fires burned him out in the latter city.
In 1877, Ronan was appointed agent of the Flathead Reservation, and remained there until his death in 1983, at his home in the agency, at the age of 56, likely of complications of an ailing heart.
Death of Major Peter Ronan
Major Peter Ronan, who died at the Flathead Indian agency Sunday evening, was a of whom it is not to much to say that he enjoyed the good will of every citizen of Montana. He was a pioneer in this state--for thirty years Montana was his home. He was at Bannack when that old camp was made the capital of the territory, he followed the crowds to Alder gulch; he helped make the history of Virginia City. Associated with Martin McGinnis, he was one of the publishers of the Rocky Mountain Gazette in Helena.
During the administration of President Hayes, Major Ronan was appointed Indian agent at the Flathead reservation. His influence for good among the Indians was remarkable. His services were so signally succesful that, with the changing administration, he was retained in office. The Indians at the agency looked upon him as a wise counselor and as a friend that might always be trusted. His acquaintance throughout Montana was very wide, and he was held in highest esteem by every man who knew him, for his admirable traits of character. He was whithal an excellent citizen and in his death a useful life comes to a close.
--Anaconda Standard
Fergus County Argus, 31 Aug 1893
From An Obituary for Major Ronan