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''[[United States|United States]] > [[Portal:Idaho|Idaho]] > Idaho History''
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| link2=[[United States History|U.S. History]]
| link3=[[Idaho, United States Genealogy|Idaho]]
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| link5=[[Idaho History|History]]
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== Online Resources ==
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7303 History of Idaho] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7174 Idaho History] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28783 Idaho: a guide in word and picture] ($)
*[http://www.learnwebskills.com/family/countyhistories1.htm#id County and Town Histories], includes biographies
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8027 Idaho, Early History] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28785 Early history of Idaho] ($)
*[https://archive.org/details/illustratedhisto00lewi An illustrated history of the state of Idaho], containing a history of the state of Idaho from the earliest period of its discovery to the present time, together with glimpses of its auspicious future; illustrations ... and biographical mention of many pioneers and prominent citizens of to-day .. ($), images, book index.
*[http://www.learnwebskills.com/family/countyhistories1.htm#id Online County and Town Histories], scroll down to Idaho list.
*'''1950-1990''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62512 U.S., Aerial Photos from VintageAerial.com, 1963-2009 (1950-1990)] at Ancestry — index & images ($); incomplete for all states, only rural areas included
==Background==
Although many explorers and fur trappers had visited the area that became the State of Idaho, trading posts and forts had been established there, and travelers on the Oregon Trail heading to Oregon, Washington, and California had passed through the area, no permanent settlements were established until about 1860 at Franklin in the Cache Valley.  
Although many explorers and fur trappers had visited the area that became the State of Idaho, trading posts and forts had been established there, and travelers on the Oregon Trail heading to Oregon, Washington, and California had passed through the area, no permanent settlements were established until about 1860 at Franklin in the Cache Valley.  


In the early 1860's, gold and silver were discovered, which led to the establishment of [[Idaho Territory|Idaho Territory]] in 1863. After the Civil War, many settlers from the East came to Idaho to mine or to establish farms along the river valleys. The completion of the railroad in the 1880's brought another wave of settlers, as did the establishment of reclamation (irrigation) projects in early 1900's.  
In the early 1860s, gold and silver were discovered, which led to the establishment of [[Idaho Territory|Idaho Territory]] in 1863. After the Civil War, many settlers from the East came to Idaho to mine or to establish farms along the river valleys. The completion of the railroad in the 1880s brought another wave of settlers, as did the establishment of reclamation (irrigation) projects in early 1900s.  


Idaho has continued to grow as its settlers turned their attention away from mining and more toward agricultural pursuits.  
Idaho has continued to grow as its settlers turned their attention away from mining and more toward agricultural pursuits.  


== Timeline ==
=== Timelines ===


'''A Few Important Events in Idaho's History'''  
==== '''A Few Important Events in Idaho's History''' ====


The following important events in the history of Idaho affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements.  
The following important events in the history of Idaho affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements.  


*'''1803:''' The area that became State of Idaho was part of the Louisiana Purchase.
*'''1834: '''Fort Hall trading post was founded on the Snake River near the site of present-day Pocatello. During the 1840's and 1850's it became a major way station for those who passed through Idaho over the Oregon Trail.  
*'''1805:''' Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through.
 
*'''1809:''' First fur trading post built by David Thompson
*'''1820:''' Fort Boise established.
*'''1834:''' Fort Hall trading post was founded on the Snake River near the site of present-day Pocatello. During the 1840's and 1850's it became a major way station for those who passed through Idaho over the Oregon Trail.  
*'''1846:''' Oregon Treaty settled boundary.  
*'''1846:''' Oregon Treaty settled boundary.  
*'''1848:''' Idaho became part of the Oregon Territory.  
*'''1848:''' Idaho became part of the Oregon Territory.  
*'''16 July 1855: '''Through the Treaty of Hell Gate the Salish and Kutenai (Kootenai) Indians ceded their lands.  
 
*'''1855: '''(July 16) Through the Treaty of Hell Gate the Salish and Kutenai (Kootenai) Indians ceded their lands.  
 
*'''1859:''' Idaho became part of the Washington Territory.  
*'''1859:''' Idaho became part of the Washington Territory.  
*'''1860:''' The Latter-day Saint community of Franklin in Cache Valley became the first permanent white settlement in Idaho.  
 
*'''1860:''' The Mormon community of Franklin in Cache Valley became the first permanent white settlement in Idaho.  
 
*'''1860-1863:''' Gold discoveries in the river valleys of northern Idaho attracted temporary settlement.  
*'''1860-1863:''' Gold discoveries in the river valleys of northern Idaho attracted temporary settlement.  
*'''1860-1880s:''' A series of Indian conflicts continued until the Indians were assigned to reservations.  
*'''1860-1880s:''' A series of Indian conflicts continued until the Indians were assigned to reservations.  
*'''1861:''' Lewiston became first incorporated town.
 
*'''1863:''' Nez Perce Indians ceded land.  
*'''1863:''' Nez Perce Indians ceded land.  
*'''29 January 1863:''' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bear_River_Massacre 224 Shoshone Indians] were massacred when they were attacked by the U.S. army while they were camped at confluence of Bear River and Beaver (now Battle) Creek.
*'''3 March 1863:''' The Idaho Territory was created out of the Washington and Dakota Territories. In 1864, the Montana Territory was cut away from the Idaho Territory. In 1868, a small part of Idaho Territory was transferred to the new Wyoming Territory.
*'''1865-1868:''' Indian Campaigns
*'''June-October 1877:''' Nez Perce Indians went to war with the United States. The war ended when federal troops captured Chief Joseph and evacuated the Indians to a reservation in Oklahoma.
*'''1880's:''' Mining booms in the north and the coming of the railroads to the south brought new settlers.
*'''1887:''' The Bannock Indians ceded land.
*'''3 July 1890:''' Idaho became a state.
*'''1895:''' The Bannock Indians left Fort Hall Reservation to hunt in Wyoming under the provisions of the 1868 treaty. The cavalry overtook them and escorted them back to the reservation.
*'''1900-1910:''' Reclamation projects brought another wave of settlement to the former desert lands of southern Idaho.


=== Local Histories  ===
*'''1863:''' (March 3,) The Idaho Territory was created out of the Washington and Dakota Territories. In 1864, the Montana Territory was cut away from the Idaho Territory. In 1868, a small part of Idaho Territory was transferred to the new Wyoming Territory.


Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.  
*'''1865:'''(January) 224 Bannock Indians were killed when they were attacked by the U.S. army while they were camped at Battle Creek.  


*Nelson, Milo G., Webbert, Charles A., eds., ''Idaho local history: A bibliography''. (Moscow, Idaho: The University Press of Idaho, 1976) -- a bibliography of local histories for Idaho. {{WorldCat|20419892|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|200417|item|disp=FS Catalog book 979.6 A3n}})
*'''1865-1868:''' Indian Campaigns


*Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985.) {{WorldCat|12356760|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; ({{FSC|299450|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23bi}}
*'''1877:''' (June - October) Nez Perce Indians went to war with the United States. The war ended when federal troops captured Chief Joseph and evacuated the Indians to a reservation in Oklahoma.  


*Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. {{WorldCat|315166|At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|252458|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 A3ka}}
*'''1880's:''' Mining booms in the north and the coming of the railroads to the south brought new settlers.  


=== State Histories Useful to Genealogists  ===
*'''1887:''' The Bannock Indians ceded land.


Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the lauditory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name.  
*'''1890:'''(July 3,) Idaho became a state.  


*By William John McConnell, Idaho. Legislature Published by The Caxton Printers, 1913, Original from the University of Virginia. Full text can be viewed at [http://books.google.com/books?id=JBMUAAAAYAAJ Google Books].
*'''1895:''' The Bannock Indians left Fort Hall Reservation to hunt in Wyoming under the provisions of the 1868 treaty. The cavalry overtook them and escorted them back to the reservation.  


*Arrington, Leonard James. ''History of Idaho''. (Boise, Idaho: Idaho State Historical Society, c1994.) {{WorldCat|26800434|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|698024|item|disp=FS Catalog book 979.6 H2a}}
*'''1900-1910:''' Reclamation projects brought another wave of settlement to the former desert lands of southern Idaho.  
== Historical Content ==


*Beal, Merrill D., Wells, Merle W. ''History of Idaho'', 3 vols. (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1959.) {{WorldCat|6565869|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|200766|item|disp=FS Catalog book 979.6 H2b}}3 vols and Volume 3 has family histories -- an especially helpful source for studying the history of Idaho.
Histories are great sources of genealogical information. Many contain biographical information about individuals who lived in the area, including:
{| width="80%" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| valign="top" |
*Parents' names
*Maiden names of women
*Place of birth, death, or marriage
| valign="top" |  
*Occupation
*Migration
*Military service
| valign="top" |  
*Descendants
|}
==Local Histories==
Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.  


*Defenbach, Byron. ''Idaho: the place and its people: a history of the gem state from prehistoric to present day'' (Chicago: American Historical Society, 1933.) {{WorldCat|41751364|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|200771|item|disp=FS Catalog book 979.6 H2d}} 3 vols.
*''Idaho local history: A bibliography'' <ref> Nelson, Milo G., &amp; Webbert, Charles A., eds., ''Idaho local history: A bibliography''. Moscow, Idaho: The University Press of Idaho, 1976 -- a bibliography of local histories for Idaho. (Family History Library&nbsp;book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=200417&disp=Idaho+local+history%20%20&columns=*,0,0 979.6 A3n]).&nbsp;</ref>


*French, Hiram Taylor. ''History of Idaho: a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests''. (Chicago: Lewis Pub., 1914.) {{WorldCat|2739177|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|200780|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 979.6 H2f}}) 3 vols. Digital version available through FamilySearch Catalog entry.
*''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' <ref> Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&title=A+Bibliography+of+American+County+Histories&pretitle=A+Bibliography+of+American+County+Histories FHL book 973 H23bi])</ref> <ref> [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/12356760&referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref>


*Hailey, John. ''The History of Idaho''. Boise, Idaho: Syms-York Co., 1910) {{WorldCat|17455282|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|548678|item|disp=FS Catalog book 979.6 H2hj}} A full text can be viewed at [http://books.google.com/books?id=2jvsOU6DSO4C&output=text Google books]
*''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' <ref> Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=252458&disp=United+States+local+histories+in+the+Lib%20%20&columns=*,0,0 FHL book 973 A3ka].) </ref> <ref> [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congress&qt=results_page Worldcat] </ref>


*Hawley, James H., ed. ''History of Idaho the gem of the mountains''. (Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub., 1920) {{WorldCat|6449679|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|284203|item|disp=FS Catalog book 979.6 H2h}}) 4 vols. Digital version available through FamilySearch Catalog entry.
==State Histories Useful to Genealogists==
Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful.
But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the lauditory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Idaho:
*''Early History of Idaho'' <ref> By William John McConnell, Idaho. Legislature Published by The Caxton Printers, 1913, Original from the University of Virginia </ref> Full text can be viewed at [http://books.google.com/books?id=JBMUAAAAYAAJ Google Books].


*''History of Idaho Territory: showing its resources and advantages, with illustrations ... from original drawings'' (San Francisco: W.W. Elliott, 1884.) {{WorldCat|640898|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|200841|item|disp=FS Library film 924569 item 1; book 979.6 H2hi}}
* ''History of Idaho'' <ref>Arrington, Leonard James. ''History of Idaho''. Boise, Idaho: Idaho State Historical Society, c1994. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=698024&disp=History+of+Idaho%20%20&columns=*,0,0 979.6 H2a]).</ref>


*'''Idaho State Historical Society''' website has a list of articles entitled ''[https://history.idaho.gov/reference-series/ Reference Series]'' on a variety of topics.
* ''History of Idaho'' <ref> Beal, Merrill D., &amp; Wells, Merle W. ''History of Idaho'', 3 vols. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1959. Volume 3 has family histories -- an especially helpful source for studying the history of Idaho. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=200766&disp=History+of+Idaho%20%20&columns=*,0,0 979.6 H2b]). 3 vols.&nbsp;</ref>


=== United States History  ===
*''Idaho: the place and its people: a history of the gem state from prehistoric to present day'' <ref>Defenbach, Byron. ''Idaho: the place and its people: a history of the gem state from prehistoric to present day''. Chicago: American Historical Society, 1933. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=200771&disp=Idaho%2C+the+place+and+its+people%20%20&columns=*,0,0 979.6 H2d]). 3 vols. </ref>


The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:  
*''History of Idaho: a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests'' <ref>French, Hiram Taylor. ''History of Idaho: a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests''. Chicago: Lewis Pub., 1914. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=200780&disp=History+of+Idaho%20%20&columns=*,0,0 979.6 H2f]). 3 vols.</ref>


*Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' (Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983.) {{WorldCat|9392978|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FSC|531408|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2alm}}This book provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
*''The history of Idaho''. <ref>Boise, Idaho: Syms-York Co., 1910 Hailey, John. ''The history of Idaho''. Boise, Idaho: Syms-York Co., 1910. (Family History Library&nbsp;book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=548678&disp=The+history+of+Idaho%20%20&columns=*,0,0 979.6 H2hj]). </ref>  A full text can be viewed at [http://books.google.com/books?id=2jvsOU6DSO4C&output=text Google books]


*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976.) {{WorldCat|2507380|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}, {{FSC|76529|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2ad}}Includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations.
*''History of Idaho the gem of the mountains'' <ref>Hawley, James H., ed. ''History of Idaho the gem of the mountains''. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub., 1920. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=284203&disp=History+of+Idaho%20%20&columns=*,0,0 979.6 H2h]). 4 vols. </ref>


*Van Doren, Charles Lincoln; Robert McHenry, ''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. (Springfield, Mass.: G and C Merriam, 1971.) {{WorldCat|142893|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|280192|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2v}} Includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.
*''History of Idaho Territory: showing its resources and advantages, with illustrations ... from original drawings''. <ref> ''History of Idaho Territory: showing its resources and advantages, with illustrations ... from original drawings'' San Francisco: W.W. Elliott, 1884. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=200841&disp=History+of+Idaho+Territory%20%20&columns=*,0,0 book 979.6 H2hi; microfilm 924569 item 1]). </ref>
==United States History==


*American Historical Association, ''Writings on American History'' (Washington, D.C.:American Historical Association,1960-1960) {{WorldCat|1770230|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|244514|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23w}}Full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ& Google Books]
The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:  
 
=== FamilySearch Library  ===
 
To access histories available through the FamilySearch Catalog, use the Place-names Search for:
 
:IDAHO - HISTORY
:IDAHO, [COUNTY] - HISTORY
:IDAHO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY


=== Websites  ===
*''The Almanac of American History'', <ref> Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&title=The+Almanac+of+American+History.&pretitle=The+Almanac+of+American+History. FHL book 973 H2alm]) </ref> <ref> [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/9392978&referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref> This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.


*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Idaho History of Idaho -Wikipedia]  
*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed'' <ref>'' Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=76529&disp=Dictionary+of+American+history%20%20&columns=*,0,0 FHL book 973 H2ad].)</ref>  <ref> [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/2507380&referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref> This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations. A snippet view is available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Lz9WC9EyF08C&q=9780684138565&dq=9780684138565&ei=F4GxSbisHpDMlQSW3Z36BQ&pgis=1 Google books].
*[http://history.idaho.gov/history_timeline Idaho History Timeline] by the Idaho State Archives


*''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium'' <ref>'' Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. Springfield, Mass.: G&C Merriam, 1971. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&title=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History%3A+A+Chronological%2C+Geographical%2C+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium&pretitle=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History%3A+A+Chronological%2C+Geographical%2C+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium FHL book 973 H2v]) </ref>  <ref> Limited view at [http://books.google.com/books?id=MVU6DS6Re8gC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History:+A+Chronological,+Geographical,+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium%27&ei=Vn-xSeS6FJDUlQSby81v#PPP13,M1 Google Books] </ref>  <ref> [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History&qt=owc_search Worldcat] </ref> This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.


*''Writings on American History'' <ref>''Writings on American History'' By American Historical Association, Library of Congress, United States National Historical Publications Commission, Published by KTO Press, 1921 [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=244514&disp=Writings+on+American+history%20%20&columns=*,0,0 FHL book 973 H23w] </ref> <ref> [http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Writings+on+American+History&qt=owc_search  Worldcat] </ref> Has the full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ&dq=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congress&ei=N3yxSd6pI4K0kATC-qRu Google Books]


[[Category:Idaho History]][[Category:United States History]]
To find more books and articles about Idaho 's history use the Internet [http://www.google.com/ Google] search for phases like "Idaho history."
[[Family History Library Catalog Surname Search|Family History Library Catalog Surname Search]] lists many more histories under topics like:
::IDAHO - HISTORY
::IDAHO. [COUNTY] - HISTORY
::IDAHO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY
::IDAHO, BIBLIOGRAPHY
==Websites ==
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Idaho History of Idaho -Wikipedia]
*[http://www.idahohistory.net/dateline.html Idaho History Timeline] by the Idaho State Historical Society
*[http://www.kindredtrails.com/Idaho_History-1.html The History of Idaho]
==== Bibliography  ====
<references/>
[[Category:Idaho]]

Revision as of 14:51, 6 March 2009

United States > Idaho > Idaho History

Although many explorers and fur trappers had visited the area that became the State of Idaho, trading posts and forts had been established there, and travelers on the Oregon Trail heading to Oregon, Washington, and California had passed through the area, no permanent settlements were established until about 1860 at Franklin in the Cache Valley.

In the early 1860s, gold and silver were discovered, which led to the establishment of Idaho Territory in 1863. After the Civil War, many settlers from the East came to Idaho to mine or to establish farms along the river valleys. The completion of the railroad in the 1880s brought another wave of settlers, as did the establishment of reclamation (irrigation) projects in early 1900s.

Idaho has continued to grow as its settlers turned their attention away from mining and more toward agricultural pursuits.

Timelines[edit | edit source]

A Few Important Events in Idaho's History[edit | edit source]

The following important events in the history of Idaho affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements.

  • 1834: Fort Hall trading post was founded on the Snake River near the site of present-day Pocatello. During the 1840's and 1850's it became a major way station for those who passed through Idaho over the Oregon Trail.
  • 1846: Oregon Treaty settled boundary.
  • 1848: Idaho became part of the Oregon Territory.
  • 1855: (July 16) Through the Treaty of Hell Gate the Salish and Kutenai (Kootenai) Indians ceded their lands.
  • 1859: Idaho became part of the Washington Territory.
  • 1860: The Mormon community of Franklin in Cache Valley became the first permanent white settlement in Idaho.
  • 1860-1863: Gold discoveries in the river valleys of northern Idaho attracted temporary settlement.
  • 1860-1880s: A series of Indian conflicts continued until the Indians were assigned to reservations.
  • 1863: Nez Perce Indians ceded land.
  • 1863: (March 3,) The Idaho Territory was created out of the Washington and Dakota Territories. In 1864, the Montana Territory was cut away from the Idaho Territory. In 1868, a small part of Idaho Territory was transferred to the new Wyoming Territory.
  • 1865:(January) 224 Bannock Indians were killed when they were attacked by the U.S. army while they were camped at Battle Creek.
  • 1865-1868: Indian Campaigns
  • 1877: (June - October) Nez Perce Indians went to war with the United States. The war ended when federal troops captured Chief Joseph and evacuated the Indians to a reservation in Oklahoma.
  • 1880's: Mining booms in the north and the coming of the railroads to the south brought new settlers.
  • 1887: The Bannock Indians ceded land.
  • 1890:(July 3,) Idaho became a state.
  • 1895: The Bannock Indians left Fort Hall Reservation to hunt in Wyoming under the provisions of the 1868 treaty. The cavalry overtook them and escorted them back to the reservation.
  • 1900-1910: Reclamation projects brought another wave of settlement to the former desert lands of southern Idaho.

Historical Content[edit | edit source]

Histories are great sources of genealogical information. Many contain biographical information about individuals who lived in the area, including:

  • Parents' names
  • Maiden names of women
  • Place of birth, death, or marriage
  • Occupation
  • Migration
  • Military service
  • Descendants

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the Family History Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies.

  • Idaho local history: A bibliography [1]
  • A Bibliography of American County Histories [2] [3]
  • United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress [4] [5]

State Histories Useful to Genealogists[edit | edit source]

Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the lauditory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Idaho:

  • History of Idaho [7]
  • History of Idaho [8]
  • Idaho: the place and its people: a history of the gem state from prehistoric to present day [9]
  • History of Idaho: a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests [10]
  • History of Idaho the gem of the mountains [12]
  • History of Idaho Territory: showing its resources and advantages, with illustrations ... from original drawings. [13]

United States History[edit | edit source]

The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:

  • The Almanac of American History, [14] [15] This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
  • Dictionary of American History, Revised ed [16] [17] This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations. A snippet view is available at Google books.
  • Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium [18] [19] [20] This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.

To find more books and articles about Idaho 's history use the Internet Google search for phases like "Idaho history." Family History Library Catalog Surname Search lists many more histories under topics like:

IDAHO - HISTORY
IDAHO. [COUNTY] - HISTORY
IDAHO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY
IDAHO, BIBLIOGRAPHY

Websites[edit | edit source]

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Nelson, Milo G., & Webbert, Charles A., eds., Idaho local history: A bibliography. Moscow, Idaho: The University Press of Idaho, 1976 -- a bibliography of local histories for Idaho. (Family History Library book 979.6 A3n). 
  2. ↑ Filby, P. William. A Bibliography of American County Histories. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. (FHL book 973 H23bi)
  3. ↑ Worldcat
  4. ↑ Kaminkow, Marion J. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. (FHL book 973 A3ka.)
  5. ↑ Worldcat
  6. ↑ By William John McConnell, Idaho. Legislature Published by The Caxton Printers, 1913, Original from the University of Virginia
  7. ↑ Arrington, Leonard James. History of Idaho. Boise, Idaho: Idaho State Historical Society, c1994. (Family History Library book 979.6 H2a).
  8. ↑ Beal, Merrill D., & Wells, Merle W. History of Idaho, 3 vols. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1959. Volume 3 has family histories -- an especially helpful source for studying the history of Idaho. (Family History Library book 979.6 H2b). 3 vols. 
  9. ↑ Defenbach, Byron. Idaho: the place and its people: a history of the gem state from prehistoric to present day. Chicago: American Historical Society, 1933. (Family History Library book 979.6 H2d). 3 vols.
  10. ↑ French, Hiram Taylor. History of Idaho: a narrative account of its historical progress, its people and its principal interests. Chicago: Lewis Pub., 1914. (Family History Library book 979.6 H2f). 3 vols.
  11. ↑ Boise, Idaho: Syms-York Co., 1910 Hailey, John. The history of Idaho. Boise, Idaho: Syms-York Co., 1910. (Family History Library book 979.6 H2hj).
  12. ↑ Hawley, James H., ed. History of Idaho the gem of the mountains. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub., 1920. (Family History Library book 979.6 H2h). 4 vols.
  13. ↑ History of Idaho Territory: showing its resources and advantages, with illustrations ... from original drawings San Francisco: W.W. Elliott, 1884. (Family History Library book 979.6 H2hi; microfilm 924569 item 1).
  14. ↑ Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. The Almanac of American History. Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. (FHL book 973 H2alm)
  15. ↑ Worldcat
  16. ↑ Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. (FHL book 973 H2ad.)
  17. ↑ Worldcat
  18. ↑ Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium. Springfield, Mass.: G&C Merriam, 1971. (FHL book 973 H2v)
  19. ↑ Limited view at Google Books
  20. ↑ Worldcat
  21. ↑ Writings on American History By American Historical Association, Library of Congress, United States National Historical Publications Commission, Published by KTO Press, 1921 FHL book 973 H23w
  22. ↑ Worldcat
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