Sec. B Page 4 Missoulian Centennial Kalispell’s Start Noted in 1891
Kalispell’s Start Noted in 1891
In April of 1891 it was reported that “the people who are creating the new town in the Flathead country have decided to give it two l’s and spell it Kalispell. The name is of Indian derivation and like all such names has a varied authography.”
It was explained that the form chosen has the advantage of fixing the pronunciation so that it is not spoken in three of four different ways. The proper pronunciation places the accent on the last syllable and this is “effected to the most hurried reader of the word by the double l.”
The report said: “The phenomenal sale of lots in Kalispell which began last night (April 28, 1891) and has now reached a figure in excess of $100,000 has caused universal comment. The purchasers are not of any particular class of people and are from all over. Portland and St. Paul are represented while people of Great Falls are among the heaviest buyers. Most of the sales are single lots.”
The Board of County Commissioners at a session Oct. 20m 1891, established Kalispell townsite with E. C. O’Donnell and John F. Duffy as justices of the peace and C. J. McArthur and George E. Breckenridge as constables.
A petition was received for the incorporation of the town of Kalispell and J. H. Edwards was appointed to take the census. Kalispell at that time was a part of Missoula County.