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History of Ada County

A Brief History of Ada County

Ada County was created in 1864.  It is named after Ada Riggs, daughter of legislative representative H.C. Riggs.  Prior to European settlement, many tribes visited the Boise Valley.  The tribes had spiritual places in Ada County where they held ceremonies such as Eagle Rock by the Old Idaho Penitentiary.  The Boise Valley came to be known as Peace Valley because of the peaceful interaction of the tribes during these gatherings.  In 1811, trappers crossed through Ada County in search of furs.  They built Fort Boise near present day Parma in 1834.

The Oregon Trail

Ada County is also along the historic Oregon Trail.  Thousands of pioneers passed through Ada County between 1840 – 1860 on their way to Oregon.  The banks of the Boise River provided a welcome resting place during their journey.  Oregon Trail ruts are still visible east of Boise at the Oregon Trail Recreation Area.

Oregon Trail

The Gold Rush

In the summer of 1862, gold was discovered near Idaho City.  The Boise Basin gold rush brought many miners to the area.  The lucrative business of supplying the needs of miners encouraged people to put down roots in Ada County.  Early settlers planted crops in the fertile soil of the Boise River Valley bottomlands to feed the miners.   During the 1880’s, the railroad made its way across Ada County, spurring additional settlements as construction camps and mail drops were established.

New York Canal

Technological Advances

At the start of the 20th century, technological advances started to change the landscape of Ada County.  The U.S. Reclamation Service constructed big-scale irrigation projects.  These projects greatly  increased the amount of irrigated land and encouraged settlement of outlying areas on the benches above the lower Boise River Valley.  In 1901, Swan Falls Dam was completed on the Snake River to supply power to the mines in the Owyhee Mountains.  Power from hydroelectric dams would later be used to supply electricity for new interurban trolley lines.  Two competing streetcar lines were merged to form the Idaho Traction Company.  In 1912, the tracks were connected, providing a 66-mile trolley loop (Interurban Loop) around the Boise Valley.  The Interurban Loop led to the development of “streetcar suburbs” such as Pierce Park and Ustick.  With the rise of the automobile there was less demand for a streetcar and the Interurban Loop stopped transporting passengers in 1928.

During the 1920’s, transportation improvements continued to shape Ada County.  In 1925, direct passenger train service came to Boise.  Air service also came to Ada County.  The first municipal airport was built in 1926 south of the Boise River on the present day Boise State University campus.  The airport quickly outgrew its riverfront location and moved to its current location in 1938.  During  World War II this airfield was used for training pilots and aircrews of the United States Army Air Force.

Post WWII

After World War II, Ada County continued to grow.  In the mid-1960’s, construction on Interstate 84 began and plans for a greenbelt along the Boise River were initiated.  Ada County continues to attract new businesses and residents.   The area’s economic opportunities, climate, and access to outdoor recreational activities have attracted people and businesses to Ada County, helping to fuel population growth that has made the Boise metropolitan area one of the fastest growing regions in the United States.

Boise Railroad Station

Ada County Chronicles

Ada County Chronicles Icon

A PDF version of the Council’s PowerPoint presentation of the history of development in Ada County entitled Ada County Chronicles. This entertaining and colorful show covers the County’s history from the earliest European travels through the area to modern times. The PDF version contains two color slides per page. Simply click on the image at left to download this file (about 5 megabytes).

The animated PowerPoint show that this PDF is derived from lasts about 45 minutes. Groups interested in scheduling a showing can contact Brent Danielson at [email protected].

Ada County Chronicles

Ustick: A Community on the Brink of Place

Front Cover of Ustick A community on the Brink of Place

An overview of the history of the trolley suburb & farming hamlet of Ustick, Idaho. Located on Ustick Road between Five Mile Road and Cloverdale Road, Ustick Townsite was platted in 1907 and prospered due to its proximity to the Boise Valley Railway trolley system. The townsite included Ustick School, a mercantile, a bank, and a creamery, all of which are still in existence today. The area teemed with apple orchards and at one time supported three vinegar plants. This presentation by Ted Vanegas is derived from his graduate project at BSU and includes thoughts about the future of this neighborhood.

Ustick: A Community on the Brink of Place