History of Bear Lake County, Idaho
Bear Lake County, Idaho, is a scenic and historically significant region nestled in the southeastern corner of the state, bordering both Utah and Wyoming. The county is known for its stunning natural beauty, with Bear Lake, often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” serving as a focal point for both the region’s history and tourism. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, Bear Lake County saw its first European-American settlers in the mid-1800s. Over time, the area grew through agriculture, mining, and tourism. Today, the county is home to vibrant communities, outdoor recreation, and a rich cultural history.
Origins and Early History
Native American Inhabitants
Before the arrival of European settlers, Bear Lake County was home to various Native American tribes, primarily the Shoshone, Bannock, and Ute. These tribes relied heavily on the region’s natural resources, including Bear Lake itself, for sustenance. Fishing, hunting, and gathering were vital to their way of life, and the lake provided an abundance of fish, including the native Bear Lake cutthroat trout. The indigenous people also utilized the surrounding forests, rivers, and plains for seasonal hunting of deer, elk, and bison.
The Shoshone and Bannock tribes, in particular, were known for their mobility, traveling across the region in search of food and trading opportunities. They interacted with neighboring tribes and European settlers, who started moving into the area in the early 1800s. Although contact with settlers was limited at first, the arrival of more settlers in the mid-1800s disrupted traditional ways of life and led to tension and conflict, as with many areas of the American West.
European Settlement and Exploration
The first Europeans to explore the Bear Lake region were likely fur trappers, who ventured into the area during the early 1800s. These explorers were part of fur trading expeditions that ventured westward, following the routes established by trappers and explorers like John C. Frémont. In the 1820s, fur traders and trappers of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the American Fur Company began trading along the streams and lakes of what is now Bear Lake County. They were drawn by the abundant beaver population, which was a key part of the fur trade.
The region remained relatively untouched by European settlement until the mid-1800s when Mormons, led by Brigham Young, arrived in Utah and began exploring areas to the north. In the late 1840s, Mormon settlers from Utah, seeking new agricultural opportunities, began moving into the Bear Lake Valley. They established communities along the shores of Bear Lake and built farms and homesteads. These early settlers were attracted to the fertile lands and abundant natural resources of the area. The settlement of the valley was part of the larger Mormon migration to the West.
The Establishment of Bear Lake County
Bear Lake County was officially established in 1875, carved out from portions of Oneida and Franklin counties in Idaho. The county was named for the large, pristine Bear Lake, which was central to the development of the region. The Mormon settlers who arrived in the area in the 1850s and 1860s played a crucial role in the county’s early development. The county quickly became a center for agriculture, with settlers growing crops such as wheat, corn, potatoes, and barley, as well as raising cattle and sheep.
The lake itself served as a vital resource for both fishing and transportation, and it became the focal point for settlement and trade in the region. In the early years, agriculture was the backbone of the county’s economy, with small family farms dotting the valley.
Key Historical Events
Mormon Migration and Early Settlement
The first European settlers in Bear Lake County were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), known as Mormons, who settled in the Bear Lake Valley in the 1850s. The Mormon migration westward, following the leadership of Brigham Young, led to the establishment of several key settlements in the Bear Lake region. The settlers began farming, raising cattle, and establishing communities, including what would become the cities of Paris, Montpelier, and Georgetown.
The LDS settlers also built a number of irrigation systems, allowing them to make the most of the region’s fertile soil and growing season. The success of these early settlers was due in large part to their commitment to community, self-sufficiency, and a deeply ingrained work ethic.
The Bear Lake Massacre (1863)
One of the most tragic events in Bear Lake County’s early history was the Bear Lake Massacre of 1863. This was a violent clash between the Ute tribe and a group of settlers from the area, and it was part of the larger conflicts between Native American tribes and settlers throughout the American West during this time. The incident was sparked by a series of misunderstandings and tensions, which escalated into violence.
In the aftermath of the massacre, relations between settlers and Native American tribes in the region were severely strained, and the Ute tribe’s presence in the area was effectively diminished. The Bear Lake Massacre was one of many violent events that marked the violent era of American frontier expansion and settlement.
The Development of Agriculture and the Role of Railroads
By the turn of the 20th century, Bear Lake County’s economy was primarily based on agriculture. The fertile land around the lake supported a variety of crops, and farming became the lifeblood of the region. Farmers also raised livestock, particularly cattle and sheep, which thrived in the area’s lush grasslands.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s was a transformative event for Bear Lake County. The railroad made it easier to transport goods, especially agricultural products, to other parts of the country. This allowed local farmers to expand their markets and boosted the regional economy. The railroad also brought in new settlers, who further contributed to the county’s growth.
Tourism and the Rise of Bear Lake as a Destination
Throughout the 20th century, Bear Lake County began to see a rise in tourism, especially with the development of Bear Lake itself as a recreational destination. The pristine lake became known for its beauty and outdoor opportunities, attracting visitors for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. In particular, the lake’s striking turquoise waters drew attention, and it became known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.”
In the 1960s and 1970s, the development of roads and infrastructure around Bear Lake made the area even more accessible to tourists. Resorts and recreational developments were built along the lake’s shores, creating a thriving tourism industry that continues to this day.
Historical Sites
1. Bear Lake Overlook
Overview and Location
The Bear Lake Overlook offers one of the best views of the lake and the surrounding valley. From this vantage point, visitors can see the expansive blue-green waters of Bear Lake, which stretches across the border between Idaho and Utah. The overlook is located on the Idaho side of the lake, near the town of Paris.
Ticket Price and Parking Information
- Admission: Free
- Parking: There is a large parking area with spaces for visitors. Accessible parking is available.
2. The Paris Tabernacle
Overview and Location
The Paris Tabernacle, built in the 1880s, is one of the oldest and most well-preserved LDS church buildings in the area. Located in Paris, Idaho, the tabernacle was constructed by early Mormon settlers and served as the center of religious and social life for the local community. The building’s architecture reflects the pioneering spirit and craftsmanship of those early settlers.
Ticket Price and Parking Information
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Parking is available in the area surrounding the tabernacle.
3. The Bear Lake Valley Historic Museum
Overview and Location
The Bear Lake Valley Historic Museum is located in the town of Montpelier, Idaho, and offers a comprehensive look at the history of Bear Lake County. The museum features exhibits on Native American history, the arrival of the Mormon settlers, the history of agriculture, and the development of Bear Lake as a tourist destination. It’s an excellent resource for learning about the region’s rich history.
Ticket Price and Parking Information
- Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children
- Parking: Free parking is available at the museum.
4. Bear Lake State Park
Overview and Location
Bear Lake State Park is located along the shores of Bear Lake, with parks on both the Idaho and Utah sides. The park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The park has historical significance as well, as it was an important site for Native American tribes and early settlers who relied on the lake for sustenance and transport.
Ticket Price and Parking Information
- Admission: $5 for vehicles
- Parking: There are several parking areas near the park entrances and recreation areas.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Bear Lake County is located in southeastern Idaho and is bordered by Bear Lake to the south. The county is part of the larger Bear Lake Valley, which lies at the foot of the Bear River Mountains. The county’s landscape includes diverse geographical features, including lakes, rivers, and mountains, making it an attractive destination for outdoor activities.
The climate of Bear Lake County is classified as semi-arid with cold winters and warm summers. Winters can bring heavy snow, particularly in the higher elevations, while summers are typically warm and dry. The area’s high elevation means that temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, especially in the summer months.
Key County Facts
- Year Founded: 1875
- County Seat: Paris
- Population: Approximately 6,000 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 7.6 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Paris, Montpelier, Bear Lake
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 89, U.S. Highway 30
- Adjacent Counties: Franklin County, Cache County (Utah), Rich County (Utah)
