History of Benewah County, Idaho
Nestled in the northern panhandle of Idaho, Benewah County is a region rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Established in 1915, the county’s name honors Chief Benewah, a respected leader of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Long before European settlers arrived, the area was home to Indigenous peoples, most notably the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, who relied on the area’s lakes, rivers, and forests for sustenance. The arrival of European explorers and settlers in the 19th century brought significant changes, as the region’s timber, mining, and agricultural industries began to flourish. Today, Benewah County stands as a testament to its historical evolution—from Native American culture to early settler struggles and the rise of industry in the region.
Origins of Benewah County
Native American Presence
Before the land was settled by European Americans, the region that is now Benewah County was inhabited by the Coeur d’Alene people, part of a broader group of Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. The Coeur d’Alene people, known for their fishing, hunting, and gathering skills, thrived in the area’s lush forests, lakes, and rivers. The name “Coeur d’Alene” (French for “Heart of the Awl”) is believed to have originated from early French traders who gave the tribe this name based on their reputation for shrewd trading skills.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has occupied the lands for thousands of years. They were particularly known for their expertise in salmon fishing, an activity that provided a vital food source. They also engaged in hunting, gathering roots, and trading with neighboring tribes. The Coeur d’Alene’s territory, much of which is now part of Benewah County, included significant portions of what are now Idaho, Washington, and Montana.
Early European Exploration and Settlement
The first known European exploration of the area occurred during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century. Although they did not travel directly through what is now Benewah County, the explorers did make contact with the Coeur d’Alene people and established early interactions. In 1805, the explorers passed through the region near the headwaters of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers, although the Coeur d’Alene were not the primary group they encountered.
In the decades following the expedition, the region became a focal point for westward expansion, with settlers moving into the Pacific Northwest in search of land, resources, and economic opportunity. As more settlers arrived, tensions between the indigenous peoples and the settlers began to rise, primarily due to disputes over land ownership, fishing rights, and access to natural resources.
By the mid-1800s, the U.S. government had established the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation, which was much smaller than the tribe’s ancestral lands, through a series of treaties. Despite this, the Coeur d’Alene people maintained their cultural identity and continued to rely on the land for sustenance.
Mining and Timber Industries
The 1860s brought economic development to the area with the discovery of valuable minerals, including gold, silver, and lead, which drew many miners to northern Idaho. Mining towns sprang up across the region, particularly in nearby areas like Wallace and Kellogg, and the effects were felt in Benewah County as well. Mining camps, however, were often short-lived, as miners exhausted local deposits or found the terrain difficult to navigate.
In the late 19th century, the rise of the timber industry became the driving force behind the region’s economy. Benewah County is home to dense forests of pine, cedar, and fir trees, which were highly prized by the lumber industry. The St. Joe River and other waterways provided transportation routes for timber, and railroads expanded across the region to facilitate the growing demand for logs. Lumber mills were established in towns such as St. Maries, which soon became the heart of the timber industry in Benewah County.
Creation of Benewah County
The County’s Formation
Benewah County was officially created in 1915, carved out from the larger Shoshone County in the northern part of Idaho. The county was named after Chief Benewah of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, who played a prominent role in tribal leadership during the 19th century. This decision was likely in part to honor the tribe’s long history in the region and to reflect the importance of the Coeur d’Alene people in the area’s development.
The county seat, St. Maries, was established at the time of the county’s formation. St. Maries, a small town located on the St. Joe River, grew rapidly as a center for logging, milling, and later, agriculture. The surrounding area developed as settlers cleared forests for farming, and communities were established along the river and other fertile lands.
With the creation of the county, Benewah began to take shape as a local government entity, although it remained economically dependent on the timber and mining industries for much of the early 20th century.
Key Historical Events in Benewah County
The Coeur d’Alene War (1858)
A pivotal event in the region’s history was the Coeur d’Alene War of 1858. As European settlers moved into the Pacific Northwest, tensions between Native American tribes and the U.S. military rose over encroachments on traditional lands. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe was one of the primary groups involved in the conflict, resisting the U.S. Army’s attempts to relocate them and take control of their territory.
The war was part of a broader series of conflicts known as the Indian Wars, which spread across the western United States. The Coeur d’Alene War culminated in the Army’s forced retreat after the tribe’s skilled fighters inflicted significant casualties. Despite their victory, the Coeur d’Alene were ultimately forced onto a smaller reservation in 1863 through treaties with the U.S. government.
The Timber Boom and Railroads (Late 19th Century)
By the late 19th century, the timber industry had become the backbone of Benewah County’s economy. Logging camps, sawmills, and railroads expanded rapidly in the region, transforming the landscape and the local economy. Railroads in particular played a vital role in transporting timber from the mills to other parts of the country, facilitating economic growth.
In addition to timber, the mining industry continued to bring economic prosperity, although it was relatively short-lived in Benewah County compared to other areas in Idaho. As logging remained a dominant industry well into the 20th century, the county became one of the most important timber-producing regions in the state.
Historical Sites in Benewah County
1. Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation
Overview:
The Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation holds deep historical significance as the homeland of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The reservation spans much of Benewah County and is home to numerous cultural and historical sites. Visitors to the reservation can learn about the tribe’s history, traditions, and ongoing cultural practices. The Coeur d’Alene Reservation is a living testament to the tribe’s resilience and connection to the land, offering both historical and modern insights into Native American life.
Location:
The reservation is located primarily in the northern part of Benewah County, with the tribal offices based in Plummer, Idaho.
Ticket Price:
Access to the reservation is generally free, but guided tours or cultural events may have ticket prices ranging from $5 to $15.
Parking Information:
Free parking is available at designated visitor centers and event locations.
2. St. Maries Depot Museum
Overview:
The St. Maries Depot Museum is housed in a historic railroad depot that once served as a critical transportation hub for the region. The museum showcases artifacts from the early days of St. Maries and its importance in the logging industry, as well as the role the railroad played in connecting the area to larger markets. The museum offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the town’s history and its development as a logging and milling center.
Location:
Located at 605 Main Street, St. Maries, ID 83861.
Ticket Price:
Admission is free, although donations are appreciated to help maintain the museum.
Parking Information:
Free street parking is available along Main Street, and there is a parking lot behind the depot.
3. Benewah County Historical Museum
Overview:
The Benewah County Historical Museum, located in St. Maries, is an excellent place to delve into the county’s past. It offers exhibits on local Native American history, early settler life, the rise of the timber and mining industries, and the challenges faced by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The museum is housed in a building that was once a prominent part of the local community and offers visitors a comprehensive look at the county’s historical evolution.
Location:
1010 Main St, St. Maries, ID 83861.
Ticket Price:
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children, with family tickets available for $12.
Parking Information:
Free parking is available at the museum and nearby lots.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Benewah County is located in the northern part of Idaho, bordered by the state of Washington to the north and adjacent to Kootenai County to the east. The county is known for its mountainous terrain, dense forests, and numerous lakes and rivers. The St. Joe River, one of the major rivers in the region, runs through the heart of the county and plays an essential role in both the natural environment and the history of the area.
The climate in Benewah County is classified as temperate, with cold winters and mild to warm summers. Winters in the county can be snowy, especially in the higher elevations, while lower-lying areas experience more moderate weather. Summer temperatures can vary widely, but the region generally experiences comfortable conditions perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
County Facts:
- Year Founded: 1915
- County Seat: St. Maries
- Population: 9,470 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 11.1 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: St. Maries, Plummer, Tensed
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 95, Idaho State Highway 3
- Adjacent Counties:
- Spokane County, Washington (north)
- Kootenai County, Idaho (east)
- Latah County, Idaho (south)
- Shoshone County, Idaho (west)
