Historical Markers in
Boise County, Idaho

A Community in Trouble Boise Basin Mercantile Museum Boise Basin Museum Boise County Courthouse CCC Shapes the Payette Drainage Emile Grandjean Emma Edwards Fiddlers Murdered at Ophir Creek George Kettler's Blacksmith Shop Grimes' Creek Henrietta Penrod Museum Horse Shoe Bend I.O.O.F. Hall Idaho City Idaho Territorial Penitentiary It Happened One Summer Life in a Fire Camp Lowman Masonic Temple Miners Exchange Pest House and County Jail Pioneer Lodge No. 1 Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Snake Brigades & "Fur Deserts" The Chinese Legacy in Boise Basin (在愛达荷城的华人) The Idaho World The Impounded Payette The Old Toll Road U.S. Senator Frank Church World War II Memorial
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.
Idaho random facts
Boise County, ID has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Bannock Indians, who utilized the area's natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

The county's history changed dramatically in the 1860s when gold was discovered in the Boise Basin. This led to a large influx of miners from across the country, resulting in the establishment of numerous mining towns and camps. Boise County quickly became a hub of mining activity, with a population boom and the development of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and schools.

However, the mining boom was short-lived, and by the late 1870s, many of the towns in Boise County had declined as the gold reserves dwindled. The subsequent years saw a shift in the county's economy toward logging and agriculture.

During the early 20th century, Boise County faced a series of challenges, including devastating wildfires and the impact of the Great Depression. The construction of the Lucky Peak Dam in the 1950s brought a level of stability to the area, as it provided water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.

Today, Boise County is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and the preservation of its historic sites like mining ghost towns. Its history as a mining hub has left behind a captivating legacy that draws visitors from near and far.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Boise County, Idaho.

  • 1862: Boise County is established as one of the original counties in Idaho Territory.
  • 1863: Idaho City becomes the county seat of Boise County.
  • 1864: The construction of the Boise & Oregon Stage Road begins, connecting Boise County to the Oregon Trail.
  • 1867: Idaho City becomes the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, surpassing Portland, Oregon.
  • 1869: The completion of the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary marks the first prison in the Pacific Northwest.
  • 1874: The county seat is relocated from Idaho City to Placerville.
  • 1890: Boise County experiences a decline in population with the end of the gold rush era.
  • 1943: The Idaho State Police begins patrolling Boise County.
  • 1952: The county seat is relocated back to Idaho City.
  • 1993: The Boise National Forest, covering portions of Boise County, is established.