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| Lava rock in Inkom next to I-15 |
The Portneuf area is named after a French-Canadian trapper from the Hudson Bay Company who was killed by Indians in the area in 1825. There are 3 stories that each hold merit as the origin of Inkom's name:
a. Some believe that Inkom is derived from the word Ingacom after a prominent Indian Chief that once lived in the area.
b. Others believe that Inkom comes from the Shoshone word "engakabni" meaning "red structure" since the railroad depot and many barns in the area were painted red.
c. Still others believe that Inkom derives from a Shoshone word meaning "red hare" after a rock formation that looks like a rabbit that can be found in the lava rock overlooking the town.
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| View of I-15 passing through Inkom looking SE from above town |

