Some History of Island Park
Island Park was named for its many natural clearings, some bounded by water, that appear in this otherwise heavily timbered area. These openings in the forest were likened to islands where travelers could stop and “park” to rest or otherwise transact their business. The first humans to do this were members of various Native American tribes: the Blackfeet, the Bannock, the Crow, the Flatheads, and bands of the Shoshone Tribe, including the Sheepeater band.
Next came the first trappers and traders, followed by explorers, guides, and scouts beginning with the summer of 1810. The first of these was Major Andrew Henry, for whom Henry’s Lake is named, and the North Fork of the Snake River that is often referred to as Henry’s Fork of the Snake. The most famous of these early visitors include Jim Bridger, George Rea, Kit Carson, Richard “Beaver Dick” Leigh and Richard W. “Dick” Rock (Rocky Mountain Dick). Of these, Dick Rock and George Rea settled in the area to ranch, hunt, and serve as guides.
Other settlers arrived during the late 1860s, homesteaded, and began to build ranches and engage in other business. Such enterprises included mining, cutting timber, road building, and fish harvesting. Still other businesses were geared to accommodating sportsmen and travelers headed for Yellowstone National Park. Island Park has thus served as an important gateway to Yellowstone since 1872, and significantly helped in opening the park’s west entrance.
Source: Donald B. Lindsey, Ph.D. - Island Park Historical Society