CLARK FORK, IDAHO
In the 19th century, the Clark Fork Valley was (like the shores of Lake Pend Oreille around Hope, ID) inhabited by the Flathead Indian Tribe. It was explored by Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition during their 1806 return trip from the Pacific. The river was named for William Clark.
Much of Clark Fork's story over the following years had to do with crossing the river. The bridge fording the Clark Fork River provided one of the only passes to the north. Before a bridge was built, Clark Fork had a ferry to make the crossing. Early ferries were nothing more than logs lashed together. This ferry crossing created a need & a place for travelers, not only to cross, but at times to rest, restock supplies, & take advantage of the occasional saloon.
Until WWI, Clark Fork was a hub of sawmill activity, then to a lesser degree through the 1950s. Early sawmills include McGillis & Gibbs, Lane & Potter. From the start until the late 1950s, mining operations played an important role in Clark Fork’s economy. The Whitedelph mine & mill located near the Spring Creek Fish Hatchery began operation in 1926 until it closed in 1958. It yielded galena ore assaying principally in silver, lead and zinc. The Lawrence mine was located on Antelope Mountain near Mosquito Creek & near the University of Idaho’s Clark Fork Field Campus. Area hills and mountains had numerous small mining holes tended by small operations & prospectors.
Only 25 Miles From Sandpoint, Idaho!
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