WHITEFISH MONTANA

Long before the arrival of the first Europeans, Whitefish was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kootenai, the Pend d’Oreille, and the Bitterroot Salish. The Kootenai tribe lived in the area for over 14,000 years, utilizing the mountainous terrain west of the Continental Divide for their home and traveling east for buffalo hunts.

The town's development began with the arrival of John Morton, the first permanent settler, who built a cabin on the shore of Whitefish Lake in 1883. The logging industry soon followed, with prominent figures such as the Baker and Hutchinson brothers setting up shop in the early 1890s. The boom in the logging industry was greatly aided by the Boston & Montana Commercial Company's construction of a dam at the river mouth, which helped float logs down the river to Kalispell.

In 1904, the Great Northern Railway was built through Whitefish, sparking the development of the town. The area, previously known as Stumptown, was renamed due to the abundance of trees that had to be cleared to build the town and the railway. Early residents of Whitefish worked for the railway and nearby logging industries. Today, the historic Whitefish Depot is a stop on Amtrak's Empire Builder line, with over 68,000 passengers passing through in 2006.

"Discover the Rich History and Beauty of Whitefish, Montana"

Whitefish, Montana, a city located in Flathead County, is home to 7,751 residents according to the 2020 United States Census. The city, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

A Deep-Rooted History

Long before the arrival of the first Europeans, Whitefish was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kootenai, the Pend d’Oreille, and the Bitterroot Salish. The Kootenai tribe lived in the area for over 14,000 years, utilizing the mountainous terrain west of the Continental Divide for their home and traveling east for buffalo hunts.

The town's development began with the arrival of John Morton, the first permanent settler, who built a cabin on the shore of Whitefish Lake in 1883. The logging industry soon followed, with prominent figures such as the Baker and Hutchinson brothers setting up shop in the early 1890s. The boom in the logging industry was greatly aided by the Boston & Montana Commercial Company's construction of a dam at the river mouth, which helped float logs down the river to Kalispell.

The Arrival of the Great Northern Railway

In 1904, the Great Northern Railway was built through Whitefish, sparking the development of the town. The area, previously known as Stumptown, was renamed due to the abundance of trees that had to be cleared to build the town and the railway. Early residents of Whitefish worked for the railway and nearby logging industries. Today, the historic Whitefish Depot is a stop on Amtrak's Empire Builder line, with over 68,000 passengers passing through in 2006.

A Haven for Skiers and Nature Lovers

Skiing has been a staple of Whitefish for over 50 years. The Whitefish Lake Ski Club obtained a permit from the U.S. Forest Service in 1937 to build cabins and trails in the Hell Roaring Creek region. In 1947, the community came together to make their dream of a full-fledged ski resort a reality. Today, visitors to Whitefish can enjoy the stunning beauty of the ski resort on Big Mountain.

Whitefish is located on the western side of the Continental Divide, near Glacier National Park. The town is bisected by the Whitefish River, which flows south by southeast before joining the Stillwater River and eventually the Flathead River. The historic district of Whitefish, known as "The Avenues," is bordered by East 2nd Street to the north, Kalispell Avenue to the west, East 7th Street to the south, and Pine Avenue to the east. The neighborhood is home to many historic houses on the registry and is located next to downtown.

Whitefish has a rich demographic history, with its population growing from 640 in 1890 to 7,751 in 2020. The town is known for its unique "ding-dong ordinance," a curfew siren that was restored to the new city hall.