Historical Boise: Heritage Landmarks in Boise's History

Boise has come a long way since its “wild west” days, transforming from a rugged frontier town into a thriving city. Not one to forget its roots, Boise and the Idaho Preservation Society have worked diligently over the past few decades to preserve the historical landmarks that connect us to our past. From Fort Boise, a fur trading post, to the infamous Idaho Penitentiary, the history of Boise is all around us in these heritage landmarks.  

Harrison Boulevard:

Established in 1891, the one-mile-long Harrison Boulevard is an iconic symbol of the city's history and architectural elegance. Originally named 17th Street, this street got its name from President Benjamin Harrison, who signed the act that gave Idaho statehood and visited Boise in 1891. Over 3,000 elms and maple trees were planted in the North End (including along this street) in 1910, which have grown into beautiful, tall oaks that embrace Harrison Blvd and come alive in the fall. Over the years, this street has been home to many moguls and important figures, from Jack Simplot, founder of the J.R. Simplot Company, to three Boise mayors and two Idaho governors. The homes on these tree-lined streets are a mix of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Tudor homes. Designated as a local historic district and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Boulevard preserves its unique character, inviting visitors to explore its historic charm.

Warm Springs Avenue:

Photo credit: City of Boise

Warm Springs Avenue traces its roots to the 1890s, soon after Kelly Hot Springs (the street namesake) was tapped. With origins as a stagecoach route in the late 19th century, Warm Springs Avenue has since evolved into a sought-after residential area. The street is lined with distinctive and grand historic mansions, with diverse architectural styles including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Mission Revival, Tudor Revival, and Bungalow. Lined with mature trees and featuring geothermal springs, it earned the name "Warm Springs" for its natural hot water sources. Along with Harrison Boulevard, it is part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Capitol Building:

Photo Credit: Daniel Olson

The Boise capitol building stands tall in the heart of downtown. Built in 1912 by J.E. Tourtelotte and Co., this neoclassical structure features a stately design with a large dome at the center. On top of the dome is a 5 foot 7 inch golden eagle, symbolizing Idaho’s aspirations as a state. The Idaho Capitol building is the only capital building in the country that uses geothermal energy to heat the building. The interior is filled with marble flooring, and while the building only cost $2.1 million to build at the time, replacement costs today would be over $100 million, with many materials seen as irreplaceable.

Boise Train Depot:

The Boise Train Depot, a historic landmark that sits perched overlooking downtown, stands as a testament to the city's railroading past. Constructed in 1925, this mission-style structure served as a bustling transportation hub for decades, witnessing the comings and goings of travelers and goods. Although it is no longer a functioning train station, the Boise Depot has been preserved and now functions as a venue for events, weddings, and community gatherings. 

Old Fort Boise:

Photo credit: Intermountain Histories 

Established in 1834 as a direct competitor to nearby Fort Hall, Fort Boise served as an essential outpost for fur trading. This fort survived for a few decades until it was abandoned in 1855 due to conflicts between settlers and native Americans and the great flood. The new Fort Boise was rebuilt as a military post and provided a protective buffer between settlers and a rush of gold miners. Today, remnants of the fort are preserved at the Old Fort Boise Park, which features reconstructed buildings and interpretive displays allowing visitors to imagine the lives of early settlers in the Idaho Territory. 

Old Idaho Penitentiary:

Built in 1870, the Idaho Penitentiary is a territorial prison that is now open to the public. This prison was in operation for 101 years, saw daring escapes and notorious inmates, and watched Boise transform from the “Wild West” into the city it is today. The iconic structure features gothic architecture and sandstone walls, and perhaps most notably the gallows, where several executions took place. Today, the Penitentiary is a museum, with preserved cell blocks, gallows, and historical exhibits providing visitors with a chilling glimpse into the harsh realities of prison life in the past.