Time Line
Flathead Indian Reservation
1930 - 1939
 

Big Medicine, an albino bison, was born at the National Bison Range.

Members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes ratify a constitution, under the Tribal Reorganization Act of 1934. The Flathead Nation was the first tribe to reorganize under the Act, forming a self-governing body in 1936.

Polson airport was dedicated. Polson voters had authorized up to $1,000 in bonds to buy an 'aviation field' in 1928, and in 1930 local businessmen had put up $25 each in to make a down payment on 40 acres of land owned by Nate Hart. Bill Voss

A smallpox epidemic decimated the Flatheads. They contacted the disease during the times they camped with the Nez Perce. The population of Flathead tribes may have been reduced by half before 1800.

Polson city streets were flooded when irrigation flood gates above the city were opened.

The town of St. Ignatius was incorporated. George Beckwith served as the first mayor.

Kerr Dam was built south of Polson.  The concrete structure is 204 feet high and controls the top 10 feet of Flathead Lake. During World War II there was a proposal to add 25 feet to the level, which would have flooded much of the valley below Kalispell.

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