Historic Military Vehicle Convoy Rolls Through Dillon on Lewis and Clark-Inspired Journey
DILLON, Mont. — Tuesday morning, residents along Highway 41 were treated to a unique sight as a convoy of historic military vehicles slowly made its way from Twin Bridges to Dillon for a brief stop before continuing west.
The convoy is organized by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA), a group dedicated to preserving and sharing historic military transportation. This year's journey takes participants across North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, retracing as much of the Lewis and Clark Expedition route as possible while traveling primarily on backroads and secondary highways.
The annual convoy also pays tribute to the historic 1909 military vehicle convoy, an early test to determine whether military vehicles could successfully travel across the country. Each year, the MVPA selects a different route, giving participants the opportunity to experience America's history while sharing their restored vehicles with communities along the way.
The convoy features a wide variety of privately owned and meticulously restored military vehicles, drawing attention from motorists and local residents as it passed through Southwest Montana.
According to the MVPA, its convoys are designed to bring together military vehicle enthusiasts for memorable adventures while preserving an important piece of transportation and military history.
"Imagine taking your restored historic military vehicle on an adventure with other enthusiasts! Be it a day trip, across the country (or continent!), or through the Alaskan wilderness, MVPA Affiliates host convoys and trail rides throughout the year that provide enjoyment for collectors and their families," the organization states.
In addition to regional trail rides, the MVPA has organized several historic long-distance expeditions, including the 2009 Transcontinental Convoy, which reenacted the famous 1919 U.S. Army cross-country motor convoy, and the 2012 Alaska (ALCAN) Highway Convoy.
The Military Vehicle Preservation Association is the world's largest organization dedicated to historic military vehicles, with approximately 3,500 members and nearly 80 affiliate groups across the United States and around the world.
Founded in 1976 as the Military Vehicle Collectors Club with fewer than 100 members, the organization has grown significantly over the past five decades. It officially became the Military Vehicle Preservation Association in 1990 and continues its mission of promoting, preserving, restoring, sharing, and enjoying historic military transportation.
Today, the MVPA continues to host annual conventions, educational programs, publications, and convoys that allow members to showcase their vehicles while sharing military transportation history with communities across North America.
Those interested in following this year's convoy or learning more about the organization can visit the Military Vehicle Preservation Association Convoy Facebook page for updates throughout the journey.
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