Lenore, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lenore, Idaho
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 Lenore, Idaho
Location in Idaho
Lenore, Idaho
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Nez Perce |
| Elevation | 945 ft (288 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
83541
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| Area code(s) | 208, 986 |
| GNIS feature ID | 396782 |
Lenore is a small, unincorporated community located in Nez Perce County, Idaho, United States. It sits on the north bank of the Clearwater River. Lenore is about 23 miles (37 km) east-northeast of Lewiston. This community has its own post office with the ZIP code 83541.
History of Lenore
Lenore has a rich past, especially concerning its role in transportation and trade. In 1960, the community had a population of 40 people.
Early Days as a Railroad Hub
By 1903, Lenore was an important railroad station. It served as a small center for trading and shipping goods along the Clearwater Short Line Railway. At that time, Lenore had a business called the Lenore Trading Company, a general store, and even a hotel. The post office in Lenore was first opened in 1900.
The Amazing Grain Tram
Lenore was once a very important place for shipping grain. It was home to the largest grain tram on the lower Clearwater River. A tram is like a cable car system used for moving heavy things. This special tram carried sacks of grain more than 4 miles (6.4 km). It brought the grain down from the top of the canyon and across the Clearwater River to the railroad tracks.
This tram was a fantastic example of engineering for its time. It made it much easier for farmers on the Camas Prairie to transport their grain. Instead of having to drive their horses and wagons down steep, difficult roads, they could just bring their grain to the top of the ridge. From there, the tram would do the hard work. In its early years, the tram moved an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 bushels of grain every year. Sadly, a fire in 1937 put the tram out of service forever.
