List of National Historic Landmarks in Idaho facts for kids
Idaho is a state in the United States that is home to many important places. Some of these places are called National Historic Landmarks. These special spots are recognized by the National Park Service because they are very important to the history of our country.
Idaho has 11 of these amazing landmarks. They cover a wide range of history, from the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition to the very first steps in creating nuclear power. Let's explore some of these cool places!
Idaho's National Historic Landmarks
Assay Office (Boise)
The Assay Office in Boise was built a long time ago, in 1870. It was a place where people could test the purity of metals, especially gold and silver. This building shows how important mining was to Idaho and the western United States. The federal government ran it until 1933.
Bear River Massacre Site
Near Preston, you'll find the Bear River Massacre Site. This is a very sad but important place in history. In 1863, a group called the California Volunteers attacked a Shoshoni village here. It's a reminder of a difficult time for Native American tribes.
Camas Meadows Battle Sites
The Camas Meadows Battle Sites are near Kilgore. This is where the Battle of Camas Creek happened in 1877. This battle was part of the Nez Perce War. It helped the Nez Perce people escape capture for a while longer during their fight.
Cataldo Mission
The Cataldo Mission, also known as Old Mission State Park, is in Cataldo. This mission was built by Jesuit missionaries for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe in the 1850s. It is the oldest remaining mission church in the Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful example of early architecture in the region.
City of Rocks National Reserve
The City of Rocks is near Almo. Thousands of people traveling on the California Trail used this spot as a resting place. You can still see the wagon ruts left by their wagons! The amazing rock formations, woodlands, and mountains were a welcome sight after long journeys across the sagebrush plains. It looked like a city made of rocks to them.
Experimental Breeder Reactor No.1
Near Arco is the Experimental Breeder Reactor No.1 (EBR-I). This was a very important place for nuclear science. In 1951, it produced the first usable electricity from nuclear energy. It also showed how to use plutonium for a Nuclear chain reaction and how to cool reactors with liquid metal. It was a huge step forward in nuclear technology.
Fort Hall
Fort Hall is located near Fort Hall. This outpost was a key spot on the Oregon Trail. It was where the trail split, and travelers could choose to go on the California Trail instead. It was an important stop for pioneers heading west.
Lemhi Pass
Lemhi Pass is a mountain pass near Tendoy. This pass is famous because the Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed it in August 1805. It was a significant moment in their journey as they explored the western parts of North America.
Lolo Trail
The Lolo Trail is a very difficult path that the Lewis and Clark Expedition also followed. They used it in 1805 and again on their way back in 1806. It's located near Lolo Hot Springs, Montana, and goes through parts of Idaho and Montana. This trail was a big challenge for the explorers.
Weippe Prairie
Weippe Prairie is a beautiful meadow near Weippe. This area was very important to the Nez Perce people because of the camas roots that grew there. Camas roots were a basic food for them. This is also where the Lewis and Clark Expedition came out of the difficult Lolo Trail and met the Nez Perce people.
Other Historic Places in Idaho
Besides the National Historic Landmarks, Idaho has other important historic sites. These places help us understand even more about the state's past.
- Nez Perce National Historical Park: This park is not just one place, but 38 different sites! They are spread across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. These sites tell the stories and history of the Nez Perce people, who have lived on these lands for a very long time. The main office is in Lapwai, Idaho.
- Minidoka National Historic Site: This site was created in 2001. It was one of ten camps where Japanese Americans were held during World War II, from 1942 to 1945. It's a place to remember this difficult time in American history.
Idaho also has about 1,000 other places and areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are also very important for preserving history.
See also
- National Parks in Idaho
- Historic preservation
- History of Idaho
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Idaho
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- Minidoka National Historic Site
