Early community

Although the Nelsons are considered the pioneer merchants,^[3] the claim of operating the first store at the locality is unsubstantiated. Apparently, in the early 1890s, Dennis Peone ran a store from his home, which also provided accommodation for passing visitors. Some individuals envious of the family's farming success resorted to arson.^[4] The post office opened around 1896,^[2] storekeeper P. B. Nelson being the inaugural postmaster. By that winter, businesses included the William Clark butcher shop, Woodward & Bellow saloon, and Downs hotel.^[3]

In 1897, the townsite was laid out,^[5] and J.Y. Jaskulek opened a general store with a jewelry and watch repair section.^[6] McCarter and Hull published the Reservation Record newspaper 1897–1898, lasting less than a year, before relocating to Eureka camps (Republic).^[7] Around 1898, John Sucksmith opened a sawmill, but died in a boating accident about four years later.^[8] E.A. Garner, who bought the mill, died of heart attack in 1904.^[9]

In 1900, fire destroyed Peter Nelson's store. Rebuilding,^[2] he experienced serious financial problems a few years later.^[10] In 1905, a new syndicate bought the mill,^[11] which produced 30,000 feet of lumber daily.^[12] Retail relocations the next year were J. Jaskulek to Spokane,^[13] and P.B. Nelson to two doors from the post office store,^[14] which John H. Grunwell had acquired.^[15] J. Bell & Co appears to have bought the Jaskulek store.^[16] Arson was suspected in the 1907 fire that destroyed Wm. Sands' blacksmith shop.^[17]

About 1911, Danville Lumber & Milling opened a general store.^[18] By 1913, the mill, which produced 50,000 feet of lumber daily, was one of the three larger producers in the area.^[19]

Prohibition and the aftermath

In the 1920s, increased prosperity returned to Danville with Prohibition. Danville became a rendezvous for whiskey smugglers, who employed local guides familiar with the old trails to avoid detection by border authorities. When Prohibition ended, Danville entered a decline. A series of fires also took their toll. Old Man Jennings, the justice of the peace, was rumored to have counterfeited half dollars.^[20]

Later community

In 1990, immediately north of Danville, a fuel, food, and lodging complex was built, comprising 10 motel units, a restaurant, convenience store, and gas station. Like most smaller border communities, 90 per cent of the trade has been from visiting Canadians traditionally. In 2021, the enterprise was listed for sale.^[21][22]

As of 2023, a post office exists in Danville proper.^[23] Danville Hall, a volunteer fire department, is a satellite station of Ferry-Okanogan County Fire Protection District 14.^[24]

Passenger transit and border crossing

The community, which lies about 0.6 miles (1.0 km) south of the boundary, was served by two railroads.

Roads, bridges, and waterways

After upgrades to the Midway–Curlew road were completed in 1897, work began on the Curlew–Nelson (Danville) section.^[26] The Kettle Falls–Eureka camp (Republic) road was also built, providing a shorter route to Nelson.^[27] However, the poor springtime road conditions made more circuitous freighting by river the only option.^[28]

In 1902, residents petitioned the Ferry County commissioners to build a wagon bridge across the river to access the train station.^[29] In 1910, this structure was replaced by a steel bridge.^[30]