Mesa, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mesa, Idaho
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 Mesa, Idaho
Location in Idaho
Mesa, Idaho
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Adams |
| Elevation | 3,251 ft (991 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
83643
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| Area code(s) | 208, 986 |
| GNIS feature ID | 396882 |
Mesa is a small, unincorporated community located in Adams County, Idaho. An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
Mesa is found in the United States, about 7 miles (11 km) south of Council. It is also close to a major road called U.S. Route 95. Mesa has its own special postal code, 83643. It is also known for being home to the Marymount Hermitage, a quiet place for reflection.
Contents
A Look Back
In 1960, about 30 people lived in Mesa. It was a very small community back then.
The Story of Mesa's Orchards
In the early 1900s, Mesa was famous for its fruit farms, especially for growing apples. The company that ran these farms was called the Mesa Orchards Company.
Getting Water to the Trees
The area around Mesa was naturally very dry. To help the fruit trees grow, the company needed a way to bring water to them. They built a long, wooden channel called a flume. This flume was seven miles long and carried water from the Middle Fork of the Weiser River. The whole watering system was finished in 1911.
Moving the Fruit to Market
Once the apples were grown, they needed to be sent to other places. In 1920, a special tramway was built. This tramway helped move the fruit over three miles north to the railroad, where it could be shipped out.
Changes Over Time
By 1936, the Mesa Orchards Company faced financial difficulties and changed ownership. Then, in the winter of 1949, something big happened. It was extremely cold for 63 days, with temperatures staying below zero. Many of the fruit trees were badly damaged and didn't produce much fruit anymore. Because of this, the trees were eventually removed, and the land was turned into pastures for animals.
Today, the area where the orchards once stood is mostly private homes, open land for grazing animals, and pastures.
