Human remains found last year near Missoula found to be from late 1700s or early 1800s

Several sets of human remains found near Missoula last year were determined by investigators to be of Native American descent dating back to the late 1700s or early 1800s, according to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

On June 29, 2024, recreationists reported finding what they believed to be human remains at a rural location on Deep Creek Road.

When deputies arrived, they confirmed the remains were human but could not identify if they were male or female due to their exposure to the elements.

In an expanded search a few days later, with assistance from the University of Montana Anthropology Department, additional remains of a second person were found.

On Nov. 14, another report of human remains was made near Southside Road.

Eventually, all of the remains were radiocarbon tested a