Murray, Idaho facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Murray, Idaho
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Murray Masonic Hall in 2021
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 Murray, Idaho
Location in Idaho
Murray, Idaho
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Shoshone |
| Elevation | 2,772 ft (845 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
83874
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| Area code(s) | 208, 986 |
| GNIS feature ID | 396938 |
Murray is a small, unincorporated community in Shoshone County, Idaho. It is located about twenty miles from Wallace. A creek called Prichard Creek flows through Murray. This creates a narrow valley in the surrounding Coeur d'Alene Mountains.
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A Look Back at Murray's History
Murray was named after George Murray. He was a mining prospector, someone who searched for valuable minerals. Murray was one of many busy mining towns that grew quickly in Northern Idaho in the late 1880s. Mines operated in this area from the 1880s until the 1950s.
In 1884, a judge ordered Wyatt Earp to pay a fine. This happened after he tried to take land from William Payne near Murray.
Railroads and Transportation
Murray was never directly served by the Northern Pacific railroad line. The Idaho Northern Railroad built a line here in 1908. The Oregon–Washington Railroad and Navigation Company (OWR & N) took over this line in 1911. It was a branch line from Enaville, Idaho. However, a big flood in 1933 washed out much of the track. The line was then closed down. A Northern Pacific railroad line also served the community for two years in the 1910s.
A post office opened in Murray in 1884. It stayed open until 1959. When roads were rebuilt over old mining areas in 1997 and 1998, many gold nuggets were discovered.
Population Changes Over Time
In 1909, Murray's population was estimated to be around 500 people. By 1960, it had dropped to about 100. As of 2024, the population is very small, with only about 25 residents.
Notable People from Murray
The famous chemist and biochemist John D. Ferry (1912–2002) went to a one-room school in Murray when he was young.
Murray Today
Today, Murray is home to people who search for minerals, loggers, and retirees. Two businesses are still open in the community. These are the Sprag Pole Restaurant and Museum, and the Bedroom Goldmine Bar. The Sprag Pole is in one of the town's original buildings, which was built in 1884.
