Canton Church Historic Site

LANDMARK, MUSEUM, NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE | Townsend

St. Joseph's Catholic Church, known today as the Canton Church was built in 1875-1876 by the first pioneers in Montana's Canton Valley representing many faiths. The church became Montana Territory's seventh church.

It began as a community center has returned to its roots as the church restoration board presents an array of exciting performances throughout the summer. Available to host family reunions, meetings and paint outs by the Helena Art Center. Artists may want to use the church as a pleine aire location for landscape painting. Just below the church is a large park area with water and electricity available. The park is available for use by reservation.

For those who wish to tour the church, the board members host tours beginning at 3:00 until 6:00 every other Friday beginning in June until the end of August every summer. Visit our Website for a current listing of Events.

  • 3497 Highway 284
    Townsend, MT 59644
  • Website
  • ART
  • ART GALLERY
  • CULTURAL
  • HERITAGE
  • HISTORY
  • PHOTOGRAPHY
  • TOUR
  • MAPS
  • MERCHANDISE
  • PARKING
  • PUBLIC RESTROOM
  • TOUR
  • As you leave Townsend going east on Highway 12, turn left at the flashing light on secondary Highway 284, head north approximately seven miles. In 1954 St. Joseph's (Canton) Church was moved from its original setting in the Canton Valley and placed on ground connecting it to St. Joseph's cemetery.As you leave Townsend going east on Highway 12, turn left at the flashing light on secondary Highway 284, head north approximately seven miles. In 1954 St. Joseph's (Canton) Church was moved from its original setting in the Canton Valley and placed on ground connecting it to St. Joseph's cemetery.

Places Nearby