This story first appeared on Make It Missoula in September 2010.
By MAKE IT MISSOULA
At 620 feet above the city of Missoula on the slope of Mt. Sentinel sits a symbol that has become synonymous not only with the University of Montana, but also the city itself.
First constructed in 1908 by university students, Missoula’s hillside “M” has evolved over the years to become what many consider to be the most recognizable landmark in Missoula.
Originally made of whitewashed rocks and only measuring 25 feet by 25 feet, the very first ““M”” was poorly constructed and ultimately replaced by a wooden “M” in 1912.
This “new and improved” version of the “M” cost $18 and was different from the structure we recognize today in that it stood upright on the face of Mt. Sentinel.
A larger, wooden version of the “M” was built in 1913 and upkeep of the structure was formally charged to each year’s freshman class.
When the large wooden “M” was destroyed by a blizzard in 1915, an even larger version was constructed of whitewashed granite. Once again the freshman class was tasked with annual renovation of the symbol, beginning a new tradition.
Each year from then on, University of Montana freshman made the hike up to the “M” to apply a fresh coat of whitewash and remove any weeds and grass that had grown in and around the structure.
The annual tradition ended in 1968 when a 125 by 100 foot concrete “M” was built at a cost of $4,328. Behind the decision to replace rock with concrete were maintenance issues.
With the coming of the 60s, UM students of the time exhibited waning enthusiasm for the annual trek up the hill and for annual upkeep of the “M.” The current concrete rendition of the “M” you see today resolved traditional maintenance concerns.
Although the annual whitewashing went by the wayside, one tradition that lives on today is the lighting of the “M” during the University’s annual Homecoming celebration each fall.
Originally lit by a group of students on October 9, 1919 following the fall whitewashing, the event was so popular that students have continued to light the “M” each year during Homecoming week.
Every year during Homecoming Week, UM students adorn the “M” with special beacons that light up the “M” to welcome former students back to the University — and to Missoula.
Although it remains a symbol of The University of Montana, the “M” has come to be widely acknowledged as a universal icon that also represents the city it overlooks from the mountain to the east. All you have to do is look toward Mount Sentinel and you know that the “M” means Missoula.
How about you? What’s the “M” mean to you? Scroll down and let us know in the “comments” section below. Like this story? You might also enjoy reading about the History of Missoula, or about A River Runs Through It.
Hi
I think the M is really about 620 feet above the valley floor, not 2100. Maybe Mt. Sentinel’s peak is 2100 though.
Keith
Like
1
Special Thanks to Keith (above) for bringing this to our attention. He was kind enough to forward the following from Wikipedia:
“Mount Sentinel, originally known as “Mount Woody,”[3] is a small mountain located to the east of the University of Montana in Missoula, Mont. At a height of 1,958 feet and an elevation of 5,158 feet, Mount Sentinel also features the “M”, a large concrete structure 620 feet up its western face.[4]”
However, I would take issue with the reference to “…small mountain”. Anyone who has ever stood at its base, or hiked to the “M” or peak of Mount Sentinel, knows otherwise! LOL!
Like
3
Missoula’s Masterpiece
Magnificent, oMnipresent M
Missoula Montana’s eMbleM
Mount Sentinel’s Masthead
Marvelled and Merited
The Magical Magnified M
Like
3
Pretty much sums it up Carmen. Bravo!!!!!!!!
Like
0
While playing basketball for the Lady Griz, running the M (timed) was a pre-season tradition each year (still is to this day). It was always a difficult and competitive work out. However reaching the top together with my teammates and looking out over the wonderful city of Missoula knowing season was about to start filled my heart with pride. Even to this day when I hike the M, it takes me back to those memorable days.
Like
1
I went up 6 times! 5 times as a member of the basketball team and once for recreation. To many people the “M” is a symbol of pride. For some a great way to get excersize. For me it symbolized the 11-13 minutes of hell every year we had to do for a tradition. I like traditions…..I like them even more now that I don’t have to participate in the actual run. Favorite quote ever while running Isreal Evans “Scott (Tharp) what the hell are you doing…..slow down” Scott “What the hell does it look like Isreal…..I am running Mt. Sentinel.” Guess you had to be there to enjoy the moment.
Nathan Covill
Like
1
The M is always a great, quick workout right out my back door here at The University! Always a sense of accomplishment when you get to the top and one heck of a view. My daughters once had a lemonade stand at the top on a hot summer day which is one of my more favorite memories….I also loved the couch that made it up there one summer…. A True Missoula Landmark !
Like
1
[...] Like this story? You might also like to read about the History of Missoula, about fly fishing in Missoula and Western Montana, or about Missoula’s legendary “M” on Mount Sentinel. [...]
Like
0
Our family was in Missoula this past week all the way from Canada. A man at our hotel told us that we could climb to this “M”, (which one of our boys insisted was not the only M in the city…he thought from every angle he saw the “M”, it was a different one.) For one day the rain held off long enough for four of the six of us to complete the trek. What an awesome feeling to reach our goal and what a beautiful view of the campus and city! If only the U of M had men’s soccer, we may visit it more in our future!! A super great family memory. Love the “M”
Like
0
I was born and raised in Missoula. My first trek to the “M” was with my father when I was 6 years old. The view over the city when I was up there, was the most amazing sight I had ever seen as a small girl ! I loved being on that mountain and went back up several times, during my years of growing up in Missoula. I enjoyed the wonderful array of wild flowers too and of course, the many beautiful pink “bitteroot” blooms. (the Montana State flower.) To me, the “M” stands for my home town, of course, but also for Magnificent Mountains, which are so plentiful in Montana.
Like
0
[...] 2) Hiking to the M. [...]
Like
0
[...] Enjoy reading about Montana history? You might also learning about the History of Missoula, Montana or Missoula–A River Runs Through It or The Story of Missoula’s “M”. [...]
Like
0
[...] I MissouLOVE the M and the L. Who doesn’t? In twenty minutes, I can turn a crappy mood into a glorious, exercise-induced high [...]
Like
0