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Idaho was once home to one of the largest sawmills in the world. The Potlatch Lumber Company, which was based in the town of Potlatch, produced more than 2 billion board feet of lumber between 1906 and 1956.
About Bonneville County
Bonneville County Timeline
Bonneville County, Idaho is located in the eastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The Native American Shoshone-Bannock people inhabited the area for centuries and relied on the resources provided by the Snake River and surrounding land. The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century brought significant changes to the region.
In the early 1800s, expeditions led by famous explorers such as John Colter and Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the area. These expeditions provided valuable information about the land, resources, and possibilities for settlement. The establishment of a fur trading post by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1820s further facilitated interaction between Native American tribes and European traders.
The discovery of gold in the nearby regions of Montana and Wyoming in the mid-1800s spurred the influx of settlers into Bonneville County. As prospectors headed westward in search of riches, they passed through the county and created temporary settlements along the way. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s made transportation and trade more accessible, leading to increased settlement in the area.
Bonneville County was officially established in 1911, named after Benjamin Bonneville, an early explorer of the American West. Agriculture became a primary industry in the county, with farmers cultivating crops such as potatoes, wheat, and barley. The area also saw an increase in livestock production, particularly cattle and sheep. Over time, Bonneville County grew and developed, with the city of Idaho Falls becoming a major urban center and economic hub in the region.
Today, Bonneville County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism. The region's stunning natural beauty, including its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the Snake River, attracts visitors from far and wide. The county's history can still be seen in its historic buildings, museums, and cultural attractions, making Bonneville County a vibrant and historically significant part of Idaho.
In the early 1800s, expeditions led by famous explorers such as John Colter and Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the area. These expeditions provided valuable information about the land, resources, and possibilities for settlement. The establishment of a fur trading post by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1820s further facilitated interaction between Native American tribes and European traders.
The discovery of gold in the nearby regions of Montana and Wyoming in the mid-1800s spurred the influx of settlers into Bonneville County. As prospectors headed westward in search of riches, they passed through the county and created temporary settlements along the way. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s made transportation and trade more accessible, leading to increased settlement in the area.
Bonneville County was officially established in 1911, named after Benjamin Bonneville, an early explorer of the American West. Agriculture became a primary industry in the county, with farmers cultivating crops such as potatoes, wheat, and barley. The area also saw an increase in livestock production, particularly cattle and sheep. Over time, Bonneville County grew and developed, with the city of Idaho Falls becoming a major urban center and economic hub in the region.
Today, Bonneville County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism. The region's stunning natural beauty, including its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the Snake River, attracts visitors from far and wide. The county's history can still be seen in its historic buildings, museums, and cultural attractions, making Bonneville County a vibrant and historically significant part of Idaho.
Bonneville County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bonneville County, Idaho.
- 1864: Bonneville County is established by the Idaho Territorial Legislature, named after Captain Benjamin Bonneville.
- 1871: The first permanent settlement, Eagle Rock, is established near the present-day city of Idaho Falls.
- 1883: The Utah and Northern Railway reaches Eagle Rock, stimulating growth and development in the area.
- 1891: Eagle Rock is renamed Idaho Falls to avoid confusion with another Idaho town.
- 1895: The first hydroelectric power plant in Idaho is built on the Snake River in Idaho Falls.
- 1949: The National Reactor Testing Station (now Idaho National Laboratory) is established near Arco, bringing jobs and scientific research to the region.
- 1951: The first usable nuclear-generated electricity is produced at the Experimental Breeder Reactor I in Arco.
- 1970: The Teton Dam, located in Bonneville County, fails just months after its completion, resulting in massive flooding and destruction.
- 1994: The Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is dedicated, becoming a prominent landmark in the county.
- 2017: Bonneville County celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its establishment.