Lakeview History

Lakeview county has a very rich American history. Originally inhabited by Chochimi and Neemepoo Native American Tribes, the region is chalk full of tribal artifacts that date back thousands of years. Bison and Antelope provided the main source of sustenance to these tribes.

American pioneers came to settle the land in the mid-1800's, establishing Fort James in 1849. Though the natives were reluctant to welcome these pioneers at first, a mutually beneficial relationship soon developed. In the early 1900's wheat farming replaced bison hunting as the main industry in the area.

After a fire devestated Milltown - the county seat at that point - in 1913, the county seat was moved to Lakeview temporarily. However, after the economy flourished in Lakeview, Milltown never reclaimed the county seat.

Lakeview's Chamber is housed in the Lakeview Courthouse. The building was donated in 1914 by Duke Billings, with hopes of bringing morecommerce to Lakeview - home to his enterprise: Billings Flour.