Kullyspell House, Trading post site near Sandpoint, Idaho, United States
Kullyspell House was a trading post near Lake Pend Oreille, built from heavy logs with two stone chimneys at opposite ends. The structure sat in a strategic location that drew merchants and fur trappers working in this forested region.
David Thompson of the North West Company built this trading post in 1809 as the first of its kind in Idaho territory. Operations ended in 1811 when its remote location made it unprofitable compared to other trading routes in the fur trade network.
The name Kullyspell comes from the Pend d'Oreilles people who lived in this region, and it shaped the identity of nearby settlements. Visitors can connect with this indigenous legacy by learning how these place names carry forward the memory of original inhabitants.
The site sits in a wooded area with no modern facilities, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for changing weather. Finding the stone remains on the ground requires some care and patience as you explore the landscape.
A blind Pend d'Oreilles man named Kali Too helped historians find the remains of the stone chimneys in 1928 by recalling his childhood memories of the area. His personal knowledge from growing up in the region made the discovery possible.
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