6 Towns in Idaho that Transport You to the Past
Idaho is renowned for its varied terrain of rivers, mountains, and farmlands in the Pacific Northwest, next to Washington and Oregon. In addition to its breathtaking landscape, this magnificent state is home to numerous quaint towns with fascinating histories. Idaho’s history lies in its native tribes, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Traveling to small towns like Montpelier or Lewiston vividly portrays past lives and times.
Montpelier
Part of Bear Lake County, Montpelier is known for its abundant outdoor activities near Bear Lake, but that's not all. The charming town also has a long history. The community was established as a station on the Oregon Trail and has since been home to phosphate mines, the railroad, thriving farmers, and ranchers. To experience the time when pioneers traveled in wagons along the trails that once ran through the town, spend the day at the National Oregon/California Trail Center. Another historical link to the town is the Bank of Montpelier, which Butch Cassidy and his crew robbed in 1896. The Butch Cassidy Museum, which houses memorabilia and other artifacts from that infamous era, is in the old bank building. You'll want to visit the Montpelier Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to learn more about its past.
Lewiston
Lewiston became Idaho's first capital in 1863 during the onset of the Idaho Gold Rush and remained so until Boise replaced it in 1865. The Nimiipuu, also called the Nez Perce Tribe, have lived there for thousands of years. The Nez Perce County Historical Society showcases their culture and traditions through interactive exhibits and displays. Follow along in their footsteps along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which extends beyond Idaho's eastern and western borders. The Lewis & Clark Discovery Center is another way to understand Lewiston's history. Within Hells Gate State Park, the center features a two-acre outdoor interpretive facility, educational exhibits, a gift store, and a short film commemorating Lewis and Clark's voyage within the region. In addition to exploring its past, you can also experience Lewiston's adventurous side by discovering the untamed splendor of Hells Canyon.
Wallace
Wallace and the surrounding area have produced significant quantities of silver and are considered one of the most productive silver-mining zones in the United States. You discover this part of Wallace's intriguing past by taking one of the several mining tours available. Experienced miners lead you through the main drift of an underground silver mine on the Sierra Silver Mine tour. You can also book the Crystal Gold Mine tour, the only genuine underground gold mine tour in the Northwest from the 1880s. In addition to various tours, the Wallace District Mining Museum offers more insight into this mining town. The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum also describes Wallace's rich history. While there, explore historic exhibits and displays by entering a recreation of an early operational railroad station. Wallace also offers world-class recreation. Hike along Blossom Lakes Trail, fish at Coeur d’Alene River, or enjoy snowmobiling in Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Pierce
Pierce is a noteworthy historic town because it was close to the location of Idaho Territory's first substantial gold discovery. By the end of 1861, over 10,000 miners had rushed into the area, which is when Pierce was established. Prepare to go back in time with a trip to the J. Howard Bradbury Logging Museum showcases artifacts from mining, logging, and local history. To get a feel of the past, visit Pierce in August, when the annual 1860 Days event is hosted. This community tradition celebrates Pierce as Idaho's first mining town and gives insight into the beginning of the Idaho Gold Rush. You may also learn about the town's past along the Gold Rush Historic Byway with a map pointing to nearby landmarks and kiosks highlighting significant figures and Pierce's history.
Silver City
To understand Silver City's rich mining history, visit the Poorman Mine, whose stony remains remind them of a once-thriving mining village in the 1860s. In neighboring Murphy, the Owyhee County Historical Society Museum & Library describes the early lives of farmers, ranchers, and miners. A visit to Silver City isn't complete without a stop at Idaho Hotel, the oldest hotel in the state. The town wasn't always home to the historic hotel, however, as Ruby City, which is about a mile away, is where it was first built in 1863. The hotel was disassembled and later transported to Silver City in 1866. In addition to the Idaho Hotel, Silver City is also home to Our Lady of Tears, the third-oldest Catholic church in Idaho.
Idaho City
Idaho City grew rapidly during the Boise Basin Gold Rush and was briefly one of the largest towns in the Pacific Northwest. It was founded during the largest gold rush since the California Gold Rush, the Boise Basin Gold Rush, in late 1862. To distinguish it from Bannack in southwest Montana, the town was renamed Idaho City by the newly formed Idaho Territorial Assembly as its population increased. Today, a piece of Idaho City's history remains. Among the historic structures is the Boise Basin Museum, housed in the old Pinney Post Office and showcasing a collection of mining-related relics. Other famous sites that will take you back in time are the Masonic Temple and Boot Hill Cemetery.
These Idaho Towns Transport You To The Past
It would be worthwhile to travel to Idaho's small towns. Explore mining areas like Wallace and Pierce or discover more about Butch Cassidy, the notorious criminal, and his famous bank heist in Montpelier. With a wealth of historical sites, museums, and cultural institutions, these towns transport you back in time.
