Kalispell, Montana

Kalispell (Ktunaxa: kqaya·qawa·kǂuʔnam, Salish: qlispél) is a city in, and the county seat of, Flathead County, Montana. The 2013 Census estimates put Kalispell's population at 20,972. The Kalispell Micropolitan Statistical Area has a population of 93,068 and it is the largest city and commercial center of northwest Montana. The name Kalispell is a Salish word meaning "flat land above the lake". Kalispell is also the gateway to Glacier National Park.

History

Working using his own capital, Charles Edward Conrad, a businessman and banker from Fort Benton, Montana, formed the Kalispell Townsite Company with three other men. The townsite was quickly platted and lots began selling by the spring of 1891. It was officially incorporated as a city the following year. Since that time, the city of Kalispell has continued to grow in population reaching 19,927 in 2010. As the largest city in Northwest Montana, Kalispell serves as the county seat and commercial center of Flathead County. The city is considered a secondary trade center with a trade area of approximately 130,000. The city also is home to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, which boasts a 150-bed facility.

Kalispell (YTB-784)

Kalispell (TTB-784) was a United States Navy Natick-class large harbor tug named for Kalispell, Montana.

Construction

The contract for Kalispell was awarded 14 January 1965. She was laid down on 14 September 1965 at Marinette, Wisconsin, by Marinette Marine and launched 13 December 1965.

Operational history

Placed in service 3 May 1966, Kalispell served in the 5th Naval District at Norfolk, Virginia until the Vietnam war when she was reassigned to Task Force 117, the Mobile Riverine Force and participated in many campaigns. After the war she served in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines and Diego Garcia before being scrapped in 2005. She earned eight campaign stars for Vietnam War service.

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