How to Pronounce Wilsall, Montana

How do you pronounce the small ranching town of Wilsall, Montana? If you think you "Better Call Saul"- you're in for a wake up call.

Several years ago I threw that question to Nels Swandal. Is it will-saul or will-sall? I've heard it pronounced both ways over the years, even by people who live there or are from there. Nels Swandal would know the answer. He's a judge and retired JAG officer who served in the Montana Army National Guard and also served in the Montana Legislature.

So how do you pronounce it? I had a caller on the phone lines during our radio show Wednesday AM from Wilsall and asked him. Will-Sall, he told me. Like Will and Sally. That's exactly what Nels Swandal told me back in the day too.

Here's why, according to VisitYellowstoneCountry.com:

“Wilsall” is a mashup of the names William and Sally, the son and daughter in law of prominent citizen and land owner Walter B. Jordan, who platted the town.

Our producer Travis Lee took the above photos during a recent tour through central and southwest Montana.

Speaking of Wilsall, Travis covered the crazy little museum of Wilsall, Montana. "This little one-room cabin acts like a visitor center, with one of the original gas pumps when it was a Conoco station," he writes. "Inside are framed newspapers and pictures, tidbits of Wilsall's history and local color. From a hundred years ago, there is a 1914 map of all the squared properties in northern Park County and who owned what section of land."

He also takes us inside the White Sulphur Castle in White Sulphur Springs. "This stone mansion now has a carriage house museum with an up-close and personal look at horsedrawn luxury driving and the 19th century lifestyle."

On his way back, Travis told us about the three main streets of Big Timber, Montana. "Major truck stops greet drivers at both ends including The Fort. Great places for a pit stop. At The Fort, not only can you and your vehicle get refueled, but you can also pick up firearms, ammunition and outdoor gear for any Montana adventure."