Historical Markers in Custer County, Idaho
Alex Toponce
Arrastra
Assay Office
Bears "Ploughed Field"
Bison Jump
Blacksmith
Bonanza City
Building the Dredge
Business Men
Challis
Chilean Mill and Jig
Chinese Businesses
Clayton Smelter
Corkscrew Grade
Cross Store & Post Office (site)
Custer Cemetery
Custer City
Custer Jail (site)
Custer School
Dredge Beginnings
Dredge Camp Family Life
Dredge Tailings
Earthquake! - The Event
Earthquake! - The Results
Earthquake! - The Stage
Earthquakes
Eleven Mile Barn
Empire Saloon
Family Tragedy
Feed and Livery Stable (site)
General Custer Mill
General Store (site)
Ghost Town of Mackay Idaho
Goodin's River
In the Early Days
Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area
Langer Monument
McKenzie Residence
Michel Bourdon
Miners' Union (site)
Miner's Cabin
Mining Tools and Implements
Mount Borah
Mount McCaleb
Nevada House Hotel (site)
Of Cabins and Chicken Ranches
Parting of the Ways
Pfeiffer Residence
Remnants of the Past
River Recreation
Stamp Mill
Stanley Ranger Station
Stone House
Sunbeam Bathhouse
Sunbeam Dam
The Boiling Fountain
The Crew of the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge
Thompson Store (site)
Tollgate Station
Transportation
Tully Cabin
Yankee Fork Gold Dredge
About Custer County
Custer County Timeline
Custer County is located in central Idaho and has a rich and varied history. It was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their sustenance. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, primarily fur trappers and explorers. However, it wasn't until the discovery of gold in the late 1800s that Custer County attracted a significant population.
The gold rush brought a wave of miners seeking their fortune, resulting in the establishment of several mining towns like Bonanza and Challis. The largest gold mine in the county, the Idaho-Maryland Mine, was one of the richest producers of gold in the state. However, like many mining towns, the boom didn't last, and by the early 1900s, most of the mines had closed, causing a decline in population.
In the early 20th century, Custer County experienced a shift from mining to agriculture. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the growth of crops like potatoes, wheat, and hay. Ranching also became prevalent, with cattle and sheep grazing on the extensive grasslands. The town of Challis became the county seat in 1948, reflecting its growing importance in the region.
Today, Custer County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and forests. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. The county also preserves its history in various ways, with museums, historic buildings, and events that celebrate its past. Custer County continues to be a small, close-knit community, cherishing its heritage while embracing its role as a gateway to Idaho's backcountry.
The gold rush brought a wave of miners seeking their fortune, resulting in the establishment of several mining towns like Bonanza and Challis. The largest gold mine in the county, the Idaho-Maryland Mine, was one of the richest producers of gold in the state. However, like many mining towns, the boom didn't last, and by the early 1900s, most of the mines had closed, causing a decline in population.
In the early 20th century, Custer County experienced a shift from mining to agriculture. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the growth of crops like potatoes, wheat, and hay. Ranching also became prevalent, with cattle and sheep grazing on the extensive grasslands. The town of Challis became the county seat in 1948, reflecting its growing importance in the region.
Today, Custer County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and forests. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. The county also preserves its history in various ways, with museums, historic buildings, and events that celebrate its past. Custer County continues to be a small, close-knit community, cherishing its heritage while embracing its role as a gateway to Idaho's backcountry.
Custer County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Custer County, Idaho.
- Custer County was established on January 8, 1881.
- In 1882, the town of Challis was designated as the county seat.
- The first post office in the county was established in Bayhorse in 1881.
- The Bayhorse Ghost Town was founded in 1882.
- In 1889, a major fire destroyed much of Challis, including the courthouse.
- Idaho's first forest reserve was established in Custer County in 1897.
- The Land of the Yankee Fork State Park was created in 1990 to preserve the history and heritage of the area.
- In 2000, the estimated population of Custer County was 4,342.