The first permanent settler in the area was a
Savonian named Pekka Kolari, arriving in the area in the early 1580s. He originated from
Konnevesi, which was a part of the
Rautalampi parish at the time. The island named
Kolarinsaari near the village of
Istunmäki was likely his original home, as the Savonian surname
Kolari originates from the same island. The area of Kolari was a part of the
Pajala parish, which is in modern Sweden. Kolari started growing in the 17th century due to the nearby
Kengis (Köngäs) ironworks established in 1644. Kolari was home to many skilled blacksmiths. Charcoal, tar and chalk were produced and delivered to
Tornio. After Russia gained Finland in 1809, it was transferred to the Turtola parish, modern
Pello. As the winter market could no longer be held in Kengis due to the new border, they were held on the island of Kolarinsaari in the Tornio river. Kolari became a chapel community in 1856 and a separate parish in 1894. ==See also==