Late in 1896, shortly after the opening of the north half of the Colville Indian Reservation to mineral entry and homesteading, two adventurous traders set up a general store at an old ferry crossing. This trading post rapidly sprouted into a collection of log buildings and stores.

By 1901, the community had a population of nearly two hundred and claimed two general stores, two saloons, the Ansorge Hotel, two livery stables, a dry goods store, and several other businesses. A post office had been established in 1898, and the town was designated Curlew.

The early years were a booming time for Curlew as the region was flooded with prospectors, miners, railroad workers, and Indians attracted to a new frontier. However, Curlew never really got off the ground. It seemed to stand still after those hectic first years.

The mineral deposits failed to live up to early expectations, and the dreams of Curlew slowly faded. But Curlew still stands today, overlooking the Kettle River. The Ansorge Hotel is still there, although many of the town’s false-fronted buildings are long gone.