History of Bannock County, Idaho
Bannock County, located in the southeastern corner of Idaho, is a region with a rich history rooted in indigenous culture, the fur trade, the gold rush, and agricultural development. Formed in 1864, the county was named after the Bannock Native American tribe, who inhabited the area before European settlers arrived. Known for its historical significance in the westward expansion of the United States, Bannock County became an important area due to its proximity to gold discoveries and the establishment of key transportation routes. Today, the county is known for its blend of rural charm, historical landmarks, and modern developments.
Origins and Early History
Native American Presence
Before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Bannock County was primarily inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Bannock, Shoshone, and Paiute peoples. These tribes lived in the region for thousands of years, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering to sustain their communities. The Bannock tribe, in particular, is believed to have lived in the area for many generations, with their territory spanning parts of Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.
The indigenous people in this area thrived on the land’s resources, living in semi-nomadic groups that moved with the seasons. The nearby Snake River, with its abundant fish, and the surrounding mountains were key to their way of life. Tribes traded and interacted with one another, and by the early 1800s, European traders began to make contact with these tribes, exchanging goods for furs.
The Fur Trade Era
The arrival of European explorers and traders in the early 19th century had a profound effect on the native tribes. The fur trade, led primarily by the Hudson’s Bay Company and other fur trading ventures, introduced new goods and changed the way of life for the indigenous people. Trading posts were established along major waterways, including the Snake River, which passed through Bannock County.
Fur trading was a primary economic activity in the region, with trappers such as John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company and the Rocky Mountain Fur Company laying the groundwork for future settlement. However, the fur trade also brought diseases and disruptions to the local native populations, ultimately changing the cultural fabric of the region.
The Gold Rush and Pioneer Settlement
The Discovery of Gold
The history of Bannock County truly began to evolve with the discovery of gold in the mid-19th century. The first significant discovery of gold in the area came in 1862, when miners struck gold at the nearby Clearwater River, initiating a gold rush in the region. News of the find spread quickly, attracting thousands of miners and settlers to the area, many of whom came through Bannock County on their way to more remote mining camps.
The rush for gold led to the founding of several small mining towns in the region. Among these, the town of Bannock quickly emerged as a central point of the gold mining boom. Though initially a mining camp, the town grew rapidly and soon became the county seat of Bannock County. The discovery of gold also led to the creation of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and supply routes, which attracted more settlers to the area.
Establishment of Bannock County
As more people settled in the area, the need for government and law enforcement became apparent. In 1864, Bannock County was officially established, with its borders initially extending much further than they do today, including what are now parts of neighboring counties. The county was named after the Bannock Tribe in recognition of the indigenous people who had lived in the region long before the gold rush.
Though Bannock County was officially formed, its borders and governance were in flux during the early years, as settlers continued to arrive and land disputes were common. The county became a key location for the settlement of southeastern Idaho, with ranching and farming communities eventually developing alongside the mining economy.
The Rise and Fall of Bannock
Boom and Bust
Bannock, the town from which the county gets its name, was one of the first towns to experience the gold rush boom. Within a few years, the town grew into a bustling center of commerce and government. By the mid-1860s, Bannock boasted hotels, stores, saloons, and a post office, and its population swelled to several thousand people.
However, like many mining towns, Bannock was plagued by the volatility of the gold market. As easily accessible gold was mined out, the town’s population began to decline, and residents moved on in search of more profitable locations. By the 1870s, Bannock’s economy began to deteriorate, and the once-thriving town was abandoned.
The rise and fall of Bannock is a testament to the boom-and-bust nature of many mining communities during this period of westward expansion. Though the town itself was largely deserted, its legacy lives on in Bannock County’s history.
The Establishment of Pocatello
After the decline of Bannock, nearby Pocatello began to emerge as the primary hub for commerce and settlement in the region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further solidified Pocatello’s role as an important transportation and industrial center for the region. Pocatello, which had been a small railroad town, grew rapidly during this period and became the county seat of Bannock County, a role it continues to hold to this day.
The establishment of Pocatello as a transportation hub significantly transformed the local economy. The railroad facilitated the transportation of goods such as livestock, grain, and mining equipment, leading to the growth of local industries. Pocatello quickly expanded into a city, eventually becoming a central economic and political force in southeastern Idaho.
The Development of Agriculture and Industry
Agriculture Takes Root
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, agriculture began to replace mining as the dominant economic activity in Bannock County. With fertile land and access to water, settlers turned to farming and ranching to support their livelihoods. Wheat, barley, and potatoes were among the crops that thrived in the area, and cattle ranching also became an important part of the local economy.
The introduction of irrigation systems from the nearby rivers, such as the Snake River, enabled agricultural production to grow rapidly in Bannock County. Farms expanded throughout the county, and new towns and communities were founded to support the agricultural economy.
Industrial Growth
In addition to agriculture, Bannock County saw industrial growth in the 20th century, particularly with the rise of transportation industries. The construction of highways and the continued growth of Pocatello as a railroad hub facilitated trade and commerce across the region. The economy diversified further, with local businesses providing goods and services to both the agricultural and industrial sectors.
Historical Sites in Bannock County
1. Bannock State Park
Overview: Bannock State Park preserves the historic town of Bannock, once a thriving mining community. The park offers visitors the chance to explore the remnants of the old town, including buildings like the hotel, blacksmith shop, and jail. The park provides educational programs and exhibits on the history of the gold rush and early Idaho settlements.
Location: 10 miles southeast of Pocatello, Idaho
Ticket Price: $5 per vehicle (as of 2023)
Parking Information: Parking is available on-site with plenty of spaces for visitors.
2. Pocatello’s Old Town Historic District
Overview: Pocatello’s Old Town Historic District features several preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the buildings date back to the city’s founding and reflect the city’s history as a railroad and agricultural hub. The district is now home to shops, restaurants, and local businesses, but it remains a key site for those interested in Pocatello’s early history.
Location: Downtown Pocatello, Idaho
Ticket Price: Free
Parking Information: Free parking is available on the streets surrounding the historic district.
3. Fort Hall Replica
Overview: The Fort Hall Replica is a reconstructed version of the original Fort Hall, a historic trading post established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the early 19th century. The replica provides insight into the fur trade and early interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes in the region.
Location: Pocatello, Idaho
Ticket Price: $3 per adult, $2 per child (as of 2023)
Parking Information: Parking is available at the site.
Geography and Climate
Bannock County is located in southeastern Idaho, bordered by the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Snake River Plain to the west. The county has a mix of mountainous terrain and fertile plains, providing diverse habitats and ecosystems. Its landscape includes forests, rivers, and valleys, making it an ideal location for agriculture, mining, and outdoor recreation.
The climate in Bannock County is characterized as semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Average summer temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with snow often accumulating in the higher elevations. The region experiences low to moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the majority of precipitation occurring during the spring and early summer months.
County Facts
- Year Founded: 1864
- County Seat: Pocatello
- Population: Approximately 89,000 (2020 census)
- Population Density: 62 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Pocatello, Chubbuck, and Inkom
- Major Highways: Interstate 15, U.S. Highway 30, U.S. Highway 91
- Adjacent Counties: Power, Oneida, Franklin, and Bear Lake counties in Idaho, and Cache County in Utah
Bannock County is a region of diverse history, blending the stories of Native American tribes, pioneers, gold rush miners, and settlers. From its origins as a fur-trading hub to its rise as an agricultural and industrial center, Bannock County offers a glimpse into the history of the American West. Today, the county’s historic landmarks, including the Bannock State Park and Fort Hall Replica, continue to educate visitors about the area’s past, while its rich natural resources and modern developments make it a dynamic place to live and visit.
