Local History

April 15, 2020

Idaho Women's Suffrage

Idaho Women's SuffrageIt’s commonly known that women were finally given the right to vote in August of 1920, with the ratification of the 19th amendment.   But, it may be a little less known that, in an effort to attract both men and women westward, territories in the West were some of ...

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Posted in Local History
March 18, 2020

The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center

Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center Boise

In 1912, Harry Morrison and Morris Knudsen founded the Morrison Knudsen Company (M-K), a construction and engineering company that was crucial in developing the Boise area.  In 1947, Harry Morrison's wife Ann established the Morrison Knudsen Foundation with generous donations from M-K employees.  The Foundation's mission ...

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Posted in Local History
March 2, 2020

The History of Kuna Idaho

The vast sagebrush desert along the Snake River Plain now known as Kuna was first home to the Bannock and Nez Perce Tribes, who utilized the land for hunting and gathering.  Around 1811, following Lewis and Clark's expedition, fur trappers also began to infiltrate the space.  But ...

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Posted in Kuna, Local History
Feb. 13, 2020

Henry C Riggs

 

Born in Kentucky in 1826, Henry Chiles Riggs was a destined pioneer who became instrumental in shaping Idaho history.  He was known as an adventurous and pragmatic individual who was also serious about his civic duty.

When he was 20, Henry joined the First Missouri Mounted Volunteers and ...

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Posted in Local History
Dec. 4, 2019

Dry Creek Valley

Located about five miles northwest of Boise, Dry Creek is a wide valley surrounded by foothills.  Today, access to the area can be found on State Highway 55, Seaman's Gulch Road, Cartright Road, and Dry Creek Road.

 

The first person to take advantage of the agricultural opportunities ...

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Posted in Local History
Oct. 22, 2019

The Idaho Birding Trail

To aid in conservation efforts and to enhance appreciation for Idaho’s wildlife, the Nongame Division of Idaho Fish and Game created the Idaho Birding Trail.  The purpose of the trail is to help preserve threatened, endangered, and “at risk” species by promoting education, viewing, and photography of Idaho’s fish ...

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Oct. 22, 2019

How Idaho Became Known for Potatoes

Have you ever wondered how Idaho became known for potatoes? The first-time potatoes were introduced to this state was when a Presbyterian missionary named Henry Spalding and his wife Eliza traveled here on the Oregon Trail in 1836.  The Spaldings came to the area to educate the Nez Perce ...

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Posted in Local History
Oct. 22, 2019

The Boise Police Department

One of the many attractive characteristics of Boise is our relatively low crime rates and the general sense of safety that exists among our community.  The Boise Police Department has played an effective role in helping to create and maintain this aspect of our city. Thus, we thought it ...

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Posted in Local History
July 29, 2019

Sacagawea

In May 1788, a Native American baby girl was born into the Lemhi Shoshone tribe near Salmon, Idaho.  This child, named Sacagawea, would grow up to be an integral member of the Lewis and Clark expedition and would help to ensure the success of their mission.

When she was ...

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Posted in Local History
July 29, 2019

How did the Boise Library get an ! at the end?

How did the Boise Library get an ! at the end

If you’ve ever passed the Boise Library and noticed the “!," you may have wondered, "How did the Boise Library get an ! at the end of its name?" The story is an interesting one and is attributed to, Howard Olivier, the founder of Flying Pie Pizzeria.  Flying Pie is ...

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Posted in Local History