Alexander House
304 State St., Boise, IDMoses Alexander, the eleventh state governor of Idaho, came to Boise from Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1890. In 1891 he opened up a men's clothing store and was able to send for his family. Alexander did not come to Boise unprepared. Born in Germany, he had come to the United States at the age of fourteen, worked his way from clerk to partner in a clothing store in Chillicothe, and gained political experience as a city councilman and mayor of the Missouri city.
His business and political career prospered further in Idaho. His small clothing store first expanded to a series of Main Street locations and later to a chain of stores in Idaho and eastern Oregon. His first attempt in the political arena in Idaho brought him the mayoralty for two terms, 1897 and 1901. After an unsuccessful campaign in 1908, he was elected governor in 1914; a position to which he was re-elected in 1916. He was distinguished as being the first Jewish governor in the United States.
His platform consisted mainly of reducing state appropriations, which he carried through by use of his vetoing power. Because of this, he was unable to get legislative support for his program of administrative reorganization. Re-elected in 1916, he gained a Democratic legislature that passed the Workman's Compensation Act and state insurance fund legislation.
Moses Alexander died on January 4, 1932. His son, Nathan, succeeded him in the family business, but never entered the political sphere.
Local significance of the building:
His business and political career prospered further in Idaho. His small clothing store first expanded to a series of Main Street locations and later to a chain of stores in Idaho and eastern Oregon. His first attempt in the political arena in Idaho brought him the mayoralty for two terms, 1897 and 1901. After an unsuccessful campaign in 1908, he was elected governor in 1914; a position to which he was re-elected in 1916. He was distinguished as being the first Jewish governor in the United States.
His platform consisted mainly of reducing state appropriations, which he carried through by use of his vetoing power. Because of this, he was unable to get legislative support for his program of administrative reorganization. Re-elected in 1916, he gained a Democratic legislature that passed the Workman's Compensation Act and state insurance fund legislation.
Moses Alexander died on January 4, 1932. His son, Nathan, succeeded him in the family business, but never entered the political sphere.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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.
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Idaho played a key role in the development of atomic energy. During World War II, the federal government established the Idaho National Laboratory in eastern Idaho, which was used to research and develop nuclear technology. Today, the lab is one of the leading research facilities in the world for nuclear energy and other forms of advanced technology.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.