National Register Listing

Mays, James Henry and Ida Owen, House

Along N bank of Snake R., 1.2 mi. W of Niagara Springs, Wendell, ID
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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.

commerce architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Idaho.
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.
Idaho random facts
Gooding County is located in the southern part of Idaho and was established on January 28, 1913. The county was named after the prominent Frank R. Gooding, who was the 7th governor of Idaho and a senator. The history of Gooding County begins with the arrival of European settlers in the late 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Shoshone and Bannock.

The development of Gooding County was primarily driven by the construction of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in the early 20th century. The railroad played a crucial role in opening up the region to trade and transportation, leading to a rapid influx of settlers. The county seat, Gooding, was named after the influential Gooding family, who played a significant role in the development of the town and the county.

Gooding County experienced a boom in agriculture during the early 20th century. The fertile soil and favorable climate made the area ideal for farming, particularly for growing crops like potatoes, alfalfa, and sugar beets. The establishment of irrigation systems further enhanced agricultural production. The county became known for its robust agricultural industry, attracting farmers and ranchers to settle in the area.

Over the years, Gooding County has faced various challenges, including economic downturns caused by factors such as fluctuating agricultural markets and natural disasters like droughts and floods. However, the county has managed to adapt and diversify its economy. Today, Gooding County continues to be an agricultural hub, but it has also developed tourism, manufacturing, and service industries as part of its economic growth. The county attracts visitors with its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical sites, making it a vibrant and growing community in Idaho.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Gooding County, Idaho.

  • 1913 - Gooding County is established on January 28.
  • 1890s - The area is settled by farmers and ranchers.
  • 1894 - The city of Gooding is founded by Frank R. Gooding, who later becomes the governor of Idaho.
  • 1901 - Gooding becomes the county seat, replacing Shoshone.
  • 1942-1945 - During World War II, the Minidoka Relocation Center, an internment camp for Japanese Americans, is located in Gooding County.
  • 1950s-1960s - The county experiences significant growth in population due to improvements in irrigation and agriculture.
  • 1971 - The Gooding County Historical Museum opens, showcasing the history of the county.
  • 1990s-2000s - Gooding County continues to be primarily an agricultural community, with the cultivation of crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, and grain.