Idaho City, ID

In 1862, gold was discovered in the Boise Basin.

Drawn by the lure of instant wealth, prospectors poured into the area by the thousands. Towns sprang up everywhere, like mushrooms. The development of the State of Idaho was underway.

Almost overnight Idaho City became the largest town in the territory. It was a beehive of commercial activity. In its heyday the city boasted more than 250 businesses, including such amenities as opera and theater houses, music stores, tailors, breweries, bowling alleys, barber shops and bakeries, pool halls and drug stores. And, of course, numerous saloons.

It was a bawdy, lusty town where whiskey was cheaper than water. Life was cheap, too. Men went armed at all times and were quick to defend themselves. Winners in disputes often spent time in the stout log jail. Losers were carted off to Pioneer Cemetery.

Despite the atmosphere of lawlessness, Idaho City flourished. Within three years of its founding, the city had surpassed Portland, Oregon, as the most populous in the Northwest. And no wonder: during the gold rush more than $250,000,000.00 worth of the precious yellow metal was taken from the Boise Basin.

Idaho City still thrives more than 100 years after its founding. And while the gold rush days are gone forever, much of the boom town flavor remains ready to be experienced during a fascinating, insightful walking tour of the area.