Trusted Fence Company in Eagle, ID

Boise, Idaho, nestled in the picturesque Treasure Valley, boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Shoshone-Bannock, Northern Paiute, and Nez Perce tribes, the area was later explored by European fur traders and trappers. In the 1830s, French-Canadian fur trappers established a trading post called “La Rivière Salée” (The Salt River) near present-day Boise.

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The name “Boise” itself is derived from the French word “boisé,” meaning wooded or forested, reflecting the lush landscape surrounding the Boise River. The area became a waypoint for settlers heading west during the mid-1800s Gold Rush era. In 1863, Fort Boise was established as a military outpost during the height of tensions between settlers and Indigenous tribes.

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The discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in the 1860s spurred rapid growth and development in the region, attracting miners, merchants, and entrepreneurs. Boise was officially founded in 1863 and became the capital of the Idaho Territory in 1864, a position it retained when Idaho achieved statehood in 1890.

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​Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Boise experienced periods of economic growth fueled by agriculture, mining, and the development of transportation infrastructure, including the Oregon Trail, railways, and highways. The city’s diverse economy, bolstered by industries such as lumber, agriculture, and government services, contributed to its resilience during economic downturns.