Learn CdA history at ‘Early Years’

Regional historian and North Idaho College instructor Robert Singletary will bring the early history of Coeur d’Alene to life through stories and pictures during a presentation at 7 p.m. Oct. 29, in Molstead Library’s Todd Hall, on NIC’s main campus.

“The History of Coeur d’Alene: The Early Years” will focus on the early history of the Lake City.

The city began after Camp Coeur d’Alene, later named Fort Sherman, was built in 1878. The fort sprawled along the mouth of the Spokane River at the current site of North Idaho College. Pioneers soon began moving into the fort area to provide services and supplies to the military fort.

The community of Coeur d’Alene was incorporated in 1887.

The city provided access to the rich mining areas in the mountains to the east by steamboat. The Mullan Military Road from Fort Benton, Mont., to Fort Walla Walla, Wash., passed through Coeur d’Alene, also providing valuable access. Railroad service was established between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene with tracks extending out to the growing areas beyond the city limits.

The presentation is sponsored by NIC’s Molstead Library as part of its ongoing series of programs on local and regional history.

The event is free and open to the public. However, reservations are recommended due to limited seating. For more information, call 769-3355.