DescriptionThe Kootenais moved to the area between Lake Mary Ronan and Flathead Lake in 1869, prompting the federal government to open a commissary near what later became Proctor. The Kootenai referred to the area as Fish Trap. Clarence E. Proctor arrived in the area in 1883 and established a ranch and store. Originally called Dayton, the town prospered, but in 1910, with the opening of the Flathead Indian Reservation to non-Indian homesteaders, the residents realized a location on Flathead Lake would be better for business and moved the town 2 miles to the lakeshore. With it went the name of the town. Residents of the old town petitioned and received approval to open a new post office and rename their town Proctor, after its most prominent citizen. Personal NamesProctor, Clarence E.Other Name(s)Fish TrapDaytonContributing InstitutionMontana Historical Society Library and ArchivesGeolocation[1] Elevation3175 ft. CountyLake County
