Jackson Mercantile

Jackson Mercantile is a small country store located in the town of Jackson, in the beautiful and historic Big Hole Valley of South West Montana. Built in the summer of 1889, it opened as a mercantile with the arrival of the first freight shipment in the spring of 1890. It has operated, as a mercantile ever since, and with the exception of ranching, is the oldest continuously operated

business in the valley. Acting as a receiving depot for the mail in the early years, under the ownership of Anton Jackson, it housed the first post office in Jackson. It is said that i

t was

written on the mailbag, “For Jackson’s”, hence came the town name. The “Merc” has had many owners in its 115 plus years, and has seen many changes as well. Though it still has a few of the original cabinets that rode a wagon to the Big Hole over 115 years ago, many have “disappeared” over the years. The structure, as it stands today, is the same structure that was originally built, although the doors and windows have been rearranged several times.
Today the Mercantile is owned and operated by Jeanette Robertson. When Jeanette acquired the store in 2001, she brought

with her a unique background that enables her to keep some very unusual items in the Merc, as well as maintaining it’s traditional duties as a supplier of basic goods to the community. She also keeps hunting, fishing, and camping supplies, as well as jewelry, gifts, and custom T-shirts that are created by a local artist. Hunting and fishing licenses are also available and you can even indulge in a Latte’ or an old fashioned, hand dipped ice cream cone, all while standing on the same floor that Teddy Roosevelt likely stood on when he frequented the Big Hole 100 years ago.

So, if you find yourself in the Big Hole, come to Jackson, and stop by the Merc. Take in a piece of history and enjoy an atmosphere that you can only find in Jackson, its not just another “little” hole, it’s the Big Hole.

Jackson Mercantile
111 Jardine Ave.
PO Box 792
Jackson MT 59736
406-834-3264

Open 7 days a week
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Open later during summer