Historical Markers in
Idaho County, Idaho

A Mammoth Discovery Area Industries Asa Smith Mission Buffalo Pit Camas Prairie Checkerboard Legacy Clay's Swinging Bridge Early Businesses Educating Riggins' Children Elk City Elk City Townsite Elk City Wagon Road Entrepreneur J.J. Goff Fabulous Florence From The Beginning Gass Creek Gathering at Tipahxlee’whum (Tepahlewam) Gold Pans and Whipsaws Gouge-Eye Legend Green Swoard Camp Hanna Cabin Harpster History of a Frontier Community Home on the Grange Howard Camp Hydraulic Mining Indian Post Office Jackson Fork June 17, 1877 Keeping the Faith Kooskia Crossing Kiosk Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark Route Lewis and Clark Route Lolo Summit Lolo Trail Crossing Long Camp Looking Glass Manning Crevice Bridge Memorable Homes Moonshiner's Cabin More Valuable Than Gold Mount Idaho My Name is K'useynisskit Nez Perce Trail Nez Perce Trail Nez Perce War Nez Perce War Nez Perce War Nez Perce War - Foster''s Gravesite Nímíípuu and Selish Nimiipuu Cycle of Life Nimiipuum Wetes Pheasant Camp Riggins Area Honor Roll Riggins in the 1940s Riggins' Early Hotels Salmon River Salmon River Canyon Salmon Trout Camp Selway - Bitterroot Wilderness Seventeen Volunteers Small Prairie Camp Smoking Place Songs Of Sadness On This Sacred Path Sterling Cabin The ADVANCE Steam Traction Engine The Camas Connection The Camas Prairie Mammoth The Eimers Legacy The Evolution of a River Terrace The Forest Service The Jordan House The Land Lewis and Clark Walked The Lolo Trail The Scow Tolo, Alab-lemot Truce or War Welcome to Colgate Licks White Bird Battlefield White Bird Grade Whitehouse Pond You’ve Got Mail "...Across the Endless Sea of Mountains..." "...Observe the face of the country..." "to our inexpressable joy"
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
Idaho County, located in the north-central part of Idaho, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Blackfoot. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources of the area, particularly the rivers and forests, for sustenance and trade.

European exploration of the area began in the early 19th century, with fur trappers and traders from companies like the Hudson's Bay Company venturing into the region. The Lewis and Clark Expedition also crossed through Idaho County in 1805, leaving behind written records of their encounters with the Native American tribes.

Idaho County was officially established in 1864, during the gold rush period in the Pacific Northwest. The discovery of gold in the Elk City area attracted miners from all over the world, leading to the rapid growth of settlements and the development of mining towns. Idaho County became one of the most important gold mining regions in Idaho, with towns like Warren and Florence experiencing boom and bust cycles as the mining industry fluctuated.

In addition to mining, the timber industry also played a significant role in the economic development of Idaho County. The abundant forests provided valuable resources for lumber and wood products, fueling the growth of sawmills and logging operations. Today, Idaho County has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation, all building upon the region's rich history and natural resources.

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

  • 1805: Idaho County was explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • 1861: Idaho County was established as a county in the Idaho Territory.
  • 1875: The county seat was moved from Florence to Mount Idaho.
  • 1904: The present-day county seat, Grangeville, was established.
  • 2000: The population of Idaho County reached 15,511.