History & Culture

The spectacular landscape of the Kootenai National Forest was shaped by continental and alpine glaciers. Valleys and their drainages were carved out and lakes were left behind. This created the land that the early American Indians inhabited, adapting to the mountains.

The prehistory of the Forest goes back at least 8,000 years, when people moved across the landscape hunting and gathering. Through the use of geological, biological, sociological, and archaeological evidence, archaeologists have been piecing together how the natives used this land called Kootenai. There is a tremendous amount of evidence of their occupation, that not only provides valuable information about their land use but also is considered by the Kootenai Tribe as a vital link to their heritage. The historical period of the Forest began with the arrival of the early explorer, David Thompson. Fur trading, railroad construction, mining and logging activities flourished in this vast land rich in resources. Evidence of these sites are also scattered throughout the forest.

Historic Site Protection

Sites, 100 years old and older, are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and violation of this law is a felony. Historic sites that are younger than 100 years old are protected by Federal Regulations. These laws are intended to protect these sites for current and future generations to learn about our past. A protected or properly excavated site offers opportunities for historic presentations in our community and for becoming an interpretive site with remnants of the past. When understood in the historic and prehistoric context of a preserved site, the rich story of our past emerges.