Dixon was a division point on the Northern Pacific Railroad. The post office opened in 1904 with Charlie Shelledy as postmaster. The community, which was formerly known as Jocko City, was renamed to honor Governor Joseph Dixon. (from Cheney's
Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company)
Dixon is located along the Flathead River on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Dixon is just southeast of the National Bison Range, accessible through Moiese. The Bison Range which is administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It was established in 1908 and is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the nation. A large portion of the 18,500-acre Range consists of native Palouse Prairie. Forests, wetlands and streams are also found here providing a wide range of habitats for wildlife. Elk, deer, pronghorn, black bear, coyote, and ground squirrels are just some of the mammals that share the area with 350 to 450 bison. More than 200 species of birds also call this home and include eagles, hawks, meadowlarks, bluebirds, ducks, and geese.
