Boise Historic District
a.k.a. Old Boise
5th and 6th Sts., both sides of Idaho and Main Sts., Boise, IDA number of Boise's interesting and architecturally important early buildings survive in close enough proximity to one another that they lend themselves to historic district designation as a device for preservation and commercial development. These objectives are not only compatible, but they are also probably inseparable in a city growing as Boise is at the present time. Lending encouragement to this view is the fact that the merchants in the area have given the project of a historic district their blessing and have organized their own, association. Old Boise is of significance historically because it contains the largest group of early commercial structures extant.
Architecturally, the buildings in the district are interesting because the majority were built about the turn of the century, with most designed by two architectural firms in Boise, Tourtellotte and Hummel (now Hummel, Hummel, Jones and Shawver) and Campbell and Wayland (now Cline, Smull, Hamill, and Associates). The original drawings are still on file with these two firms. Exceptionally five earlier buildings (1885, 1893, 1895) also give character reminiscent of this small frontier town that was.
Local significance of the district:
Architecturally, the buildings in the district are interesting because the majority were built about the turn of the century, with most designed by two architectural firms in Boise, Tourtellotte and Hummel (now Hummel, Hummel, Jones and Shawver) and Campbell and Wayland (now Cline, Smull, Hamill, and Associates). The original drawings are still on file with these two firms. Exceptionally five earlier buildings (1885, 1893, 1895) also give character reminiscent of this small frontier town that was.
Commerce; European; Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Idaho is home to the deepest river gorge in North America, the Hells Canyon, which is more than a mile deep. It's located on the border with Oregon and is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities.
About Ada County
Ada County Timeline
Ada County is located in southwestern Idaho and was established in 1864. It is named after Ada Riggs, daughter of the first settler in the area, H.C. Riggs. The region was originally inhabited by the Shoshone and Bannock Native American tribes. In the early 1800s, European fur traders and explorers began to arrive in the area.
The discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in the 1860s led to a population boom in Ada County and its county seat, Boise City. The area became a major supply center for miners, and many settlers moved to the county in search of prosperity. Agriculture also thrived in the fertile Boise River Valley, with farmers growing crops such as potatoes, grains, and orchard fruits.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ada County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in 1887 boosted the local economy, opening up new markets for agricultural products and facilitating transportation. The city of Boise became a regional economic hub, attracting businesses, government institutions, and educational facilities.
Throughout the 20th century, Ada County continued to grow, with an increasing population and expanding infrastructure. The county's economy diversified, and industries such as manufacturing, technology, and healthcare emerged. Today, Ada County is known for its thriving economy, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a desirable place to live and visit in Idaho.
The discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in the 1860s led to a population boom in Ada County and its county seat, Boise City. The area became a major supply center for miners, and many settlers moved to the county in search of prosperity. Agriculture also thrived in the fertile Boise River Valley, with farmers growing crops such as potatoes, grains, and orchard fruits.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ada County experienced significant growth and development. The completion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in 1887 boosted the local economy, opening up new markets for agricultural products and facilitating transportation. The city of Boise became a regional economic hub, attracting businesses, government institutions, and educational facilities.
Throughout the 20th century, Ada County continued to grow, with an increasing population and expanding infrastructure. The county's economy diversified, and industries such as manufacturing, technology, and healthcare emerged. Today, Ada County is known for its thriving economy, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a desirable place to live and visit in Idaho.
Ada County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ada County, Idaho.
- 1805 - Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through the area now known as Ada County.
- 1812 - The first fur trading post, known as Fort Boise, is established by the British Hudson's Bay Company.
- 1843 - The Oregon Trail is established, bringing settlers to the region.
- 1863 - Ada County is created as one of the original counties of Idaho Territory.
- 1864 - Boise becomes the capital of the Idaho Territory.
- 1872 - The first railroad reaches Boise, spurring growth and development in the area.
- 1892 - The Idaho State Penitentiary is constructed in Boise.
- 1912 - Idaho becomes a state, and Boise remains its capital.
- 1959 - The East End Historic District in Boise is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1973 - The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center opens, providing educational programs about the area's wildlife and natural resources.
- 1996 - The World Center for Birds of Prey, operated by The Peregrine Fund, opens in Boise.
- 2020 - Ada County experiences rapid population growth and becomes a thriving economic center.