Named for David Thompson, a British explorer and fur trader who founded a North West Company fur trading post called Saleesh House in 1808, Thompson Falls is situated near a natural waterfall on the Clark Fork River. The Thompson Falls Dam, built in 1915, was constructed on top of the original falls. The Saleesh House was used sporadically until the 1820s, mostly by employees of the North West Company. Nothing exists of the Saleesh House today, and settlement of the area was sparse until the railroad was extended through the area in 1881. Even then, an account of the city’s founding suggests that, because its early residents felt neglected by the railroad, they piled logs across the tracks, forcing the train to stop. Townspeople then boarded the train and persuaded passengers to settle in Thompson Falls. Not long afterward, gold was discovered and the Couer D’Alene mines were established, and the town grew to accommodate the men traveling the Murray Trail to the mines. In 1885, John Russell platted the townsite. Thompson Falls is the county seat of Sanders County, Montana. Thompson Falls is southeast of Trout Creek and northwest of Plains, and is surrounded by national forests and the Flathead Indian Reservation.
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City of Thompson Falls, Montana
The function of the municipal government is to serve the citizens of Thompson Falls and to maintain operations and conditions within the city’s boundaries. The official municipal web site highlights its elected officials, departments, projects, and facilities. A community calendar, meeting agendas and minutes, and public notices are posted to the site.
https://www.cityofthompsonfalls.com/
Located in Thompson Falls, along the Clark Fork River in northwestern Montana, the real estate company offers land, country and town homes, waterfront property, and commercial real estate. Available properties may be found through a search, and featured listings are highlighted on the company’s site.
http://www.montanaproperty.net/
First Baptist Church of Thompson Falls
The location and times of worship for the Thompson Falls, Montana church are published, with an introduction to its pastor, sermon archive, and leadership contacts.
http://fbcthompsonfallsmt.com/
Based in Thompson Falls, Montana, Flatiron Outfitting offers elk, mule deer, black bear and other types of hunting expeditions in the Clark Valley of northwestern Montana, including guided hunts for archery and rifle hunts. A trophy gallery, rate information, and an overview of the accommodations and hunts are featured.
http://www.flatironoutfitting.com/
Greater Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is a non-profit membership organization made up of local businesses and interested individuals in the Thompson Falls, Montana region. A membership directory, calendar of events, and contacts are posted.
http://www.thompsonfallschamber.com/
Sanders County is in northwestern Montana, bordered on the west by Idaho’s Panhandle. Commissioners agendas and minutes are published on the official county web site. Tax records may be accessed online, and tax payments may be made through the site. Various legal documents, reports, and notices are included.
http://www.co.sanders.mt.us/
The weekly newspaper has been published in Thompson Fall, Montana for more than a century, offering news and event reports from Sanders County. Subscription and advertising information are published, along with obituaries and classified advertising, with full access to its electronic edition available by subscription only.
http://www.scledger.net/
Thompson Falls Community Congregational Church
Affiliated with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, the church meets at its facilities on Preston Avenue in Thompson Falls, Montana. Its beliefs and ministries are outlined, and schedules are published to the site.
http://www.tf-communitychurch.org/
Offering a PK-12th grade curriculum, the public school district operates a high school, junior high school, and elementary school, each of which are highlighted here, with schedules, contacts, and general information about the district and its schools.
http://www.thompsonfalls.net/
Managed by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department, the park is located near Thompson Falls, on the Clark Fork River, in the Clark Fork Valley. Its seasons and hours are posted, along with any relevant closures or restrictions, available activities, and directions.
http://stateparks.mt.gov/thompson-falls/
