Historical Markers in
Kootenai County, Idaho

Bayview Limekilns Coeur d'Alene Lake Dug-Out Canoe Farragut Naval Training Station Farragut State Park Footprints of the Past Grist Mill Indian Village Lake Steamers Lodging for Travelers Main Cemetery Mission Landing Mullan Military Road Old Mission Old Mission Bell Old Mission of the Sacred Heart Old River Channel Parsonage House Pen d'Oreille City Purcell Trench Stock and Crop Barn Submerged Valley The Mullan Road Treaty Rock
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Idaho Highway Historical Marker Guide Spiral-bound – January 1, 1990
Idaho Highway Historical Marker Guide

Idaho is a vibrant state with a bright future.
C.L. "Butch" Otter in Idaho State of the State Address
Kootenai County, located in Northern Idaho, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Indigenous peoples, including the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, who thrived in the area due to its abundance of natural resources. European explorers, such as David Thompson and the Hudson's Bay Company, began to arrive in the early 19th century and established fur trading posts along the rivers.

In the late 1800s, settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the opportunities for farming, mining, and logging. The town of Coeur d'Alene, the county seat, was founded in 1888 and became a thriving community. The discovery of silver and lead in the surrounding mountains brought an economic boom to the area, attracting thousands of miners. However, these resources eventually declined, leading to a shift towards agriculture and timber industries.

Kootenai County experienced significant growth and development in the early 20th century with the arrival of the railroad and the construction of dams on the Spokane River. The construction of the Post Falls Dam, completed in 1906, contributed to the development of hydroelectric power and provided a stable source of energy for the region. The county's population continued to increase, and its agricultural and timber industries played a crucial role in its economy.

In more recent times, Kootenai County has seen a shift towards tourism and recreation. The natural beauty of Coeur d'Alene Lake and the surrounding mountains attract visitors from all over. The county has also seen growth in technology-related industries, with the establishment of call centers, manufacturing facilities, and research institutes. Today, Kootenai County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant community, blending its rich history with modern opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

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

  • 1809 - The area now known as Kootenai County is explored by David Thompson, a Canadian fur trader.
  • 1860s - Gold is discovered in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains, leading to a population boom in the area.
  • 1878 - Kootenai County is established and named after the Kootenai Native American tribe.
  • 1883 - Construction of the Union Pacific Railroad through the county brings further growth and development.
  • 1885 - The city of Coeur d'Alene is founded, becoming the county seat.
  • 1892 - The Coeur d'Alene Mining District experiences a major silver mining boom, attracting thousands of fortune-seekers to the area.
  • 1926 - The Coeur d'Alene Resort, situated on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, opens its doors, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
  • 1981 - The silver mining industry declines, leading to a shift towards tourism, recreation, and other industries.
  • 2000s - Kootenai County experiences steady population growth, attracting new residents and businesses.