National Register Listing

Arrowrock Dam

About 10 mi. E of Boise on U.S. Forest Service Roads, Boise, ID
Local significance of the structure:
Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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.

agriculture architecture
Idaho was part of the Oregon Territory before it became a separate territory in 1863, and then a state in 1890. At the time, Idaho's borders were much larger than they are now, including parts of Wyoming and Montana.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.