From Your Corner of Washington: Colville's name

August 17, 2009

Pronounced KAWL-vil and located in northeastern Washington, the Stevens County seat was established by the Hudson’s Bay Co. as Fort Colville in 1825 and named for Andrew Colvile (with only one "l"), London governor of the fur-trading company.

A few miles east, the U.S. Army established a post under Maj. Pinkney Lougenbeel, and in his honor the place was known as Pinkney City. When Stevens County was organized in 1863, Pinkney was renamed Colville and designated as the county seat. To learn more about Colville, go here and here . Information about Colville’s name origin is from “Washington State Place Names,” by James W. Phillips. (Photo courtesy of Colville Chamber of Commerce.)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

OSOS Websites

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.