Historical Markers in
Lemhi County, Idaho

A Communication Across the Continent by Water Agency Creek Bannock Pass Before the Roads Brick Charcoal Charcoal Kilns Cote's Defile Crossing the Great Divide Deep Creek Erle and Lula Embley's Cabin First Idaho Campsite First Irrigation Project Fort Bonneville Fort Lemhi From Route ... To Road Gibbonsville Gilmore Historic Lemhi Co. Hungry, Wet and Cold Idaho Hermits In Commemoration of Old Toby the Shoshone Indian In memory of Jeff Allen and Shane Heath Jerry Fahey’s Cutoff Kilns Leaving the Lemhi Valley Lemhi Pass Lemhi Shoshone Winter Camps Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark: Departure Camp Lewis and Clark: The First Idaho Camp Lewis and Clark: Trading for Horses Lewis and Clark: Unfurling the Flag Lewis and Clark: Which Way Did They Go? Lewis Learns from the Lemhi Shoshone Lost Trail Pass Lower Birch Creek Valley MacDonald's Battle Massacred by Nez Perce Meriwether Lewis Makes Contact Nez Perce Trail Once Upon a Time Plants New to Science Prehistoric Man Preserve and Protect Rheumatism and Recreation Sacajawea Sacajawea Sacajawea Sacajawea Comes Home Sacajawea Historic Byway Sacajawea Memorial Area Salmon River Encounter Salmon River Mission Tendoy, Chief of the Lemhi Shoshone The Back Door The Bluff The Dog of Discovery The Red Rock Stage The Salmon River Mission The Withington Caldera Tower Creek Tower Rock: William Clark's "Clift" Viola - The Mine Waters Flowing to the Pacific William Clark's Campsite, August 21 and 25, 1805 William Clark's Scouting Mission William Clark's "Pirimids" Wood "Immence Ranges of High Mountains Still to the West of Us..."
Idaho was one of the last states in the US to grant women the right to vote. Women in Idaho were granted suffrage in 1896, four years before the 19th Amendment was ratified.
Lemhi County, located in Idaho, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Shoshone and Bannock peoples, who relied on the land's abundant natural resources for their sustenance. In the early 1800s, European explorers and fur trappers, such as Lewis and Clark, made their way through this region, establishing contact with the native tribes.

In the mid-19th century, Lemhi County experienced a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of gold. The Lemhi Valley Gold Rush attracted many prospectors, leading to the establishment of mining camps and towns. Salmon City, later renamed Salmon, became the county seat and a hub of economic activity.

During this time, conflicts between settlers and indigenous peoples arose. The Bannock War of 1878, which spread throughout the region, resulted in the loss of lives and heightened tensions between the two groups. Eventually, a treaty was signed, granting the Lemhi Shoshone a reservation.

Throughout the 20th century, Lemhi County continued to develop and diversify its economy. Agriculture, mining, and timber industries played significant roles. The region also became an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its pristine rivers, mountains, and wildlife.

Today, Lemhi County preserves its historical legacy while embracing modern progress. It serves as a gateway to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and provides countless recreational opportunities. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and showcase the enduring spirit of the region.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lemhi County, Idaho.

  • 1805 - Lewis and Clark Expedition pass through the Lemhi County area
  • 1866 - Lemhi City is established as a mining town
  • 1879 - Salmon City becomes the county seat of Lemhi County
  • 1910 - The Gilmore and Pittsburgh Railroad reaches Salmon City
  • 1912 - Salmon National Forest is established
  • 1934 - Lemhi Pass is dedicated as a national monument
  • 1950 - The completion of the Salmon Dam brings irrigation to the county
  • 1972 - Lemhi County Historical Society is founded
  • 1990 - The population of Lemhi County reaches its peak at 8,664
  • 2000 - Lemhi County celebrates its centennial