National Register of Historic Places listings in Boundary County, Idaho facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings or places in your community? In Boundary County, Idaho, there's a list of these important spots! They are part of something called the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special club for buildings, sites, and objects that are important to the history of the United States.
When a place is added to this list, it means it has a unique story to tell about the past. It could be an old school, a historic trading post, or even a special quarry. These places help us learn about how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago. Boundary County has 9 places on this list, and each one helps us understand the rich history of this area. Let's explore some of them!
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Historic Places in Boundary County
Boundary County Courthouse
The Boundary County Courthouse is a very important building located on Kootenai Street in Bonners Ferry. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 27, 1987. Courthouses are usually where important government work happens, like trials and official meetings. This building has likely seen many important moments in the history of Boundary County. It stands as a symbol of justice and community for the area.
Fry's Trading Post
Fry's Trading Post was once an important place near U.S. Route 95 in Bonners Ferry. It was listed on the National Register on September 7, 1984. A trading post is a place where people would meet to trade goods, often in early settlements. It was a hub for commerce and community interaction. Sadly, the building for Fry's Trading Post no longer exists today. Even though the building is gone, its history is still remembered and recognized.
Harvey Mountain Quarry
The Harvey Mountain Quarry is located near Bonners Ferry. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 23, 1978. A quarry is a place where stone, rock, or other materials are dug out of the ground. This quarry likely played a role in providing materials for building or other industries in the region. It shows us how people used the natural resources of the area in the past.
North Side School
The North Side School is an old school building located at 218 West Comanche Street in Bonners Ferry. It became a historic place on May 5, 1992. Schools are super important because they are where generations of kids learn and grow. This building holds many memories of students and teachers from long ago. It reminds us of the history of education in Boundary County.
Russell and Pearl Soderling House
The Russell and Pearl Soderling House is a historic home located at 217 West Madison Street in Bonners Ferry. It was added to the National Register on January 15, 1998. Historic homes give us a peek into how families lived in the past. They often show us the architectural styles and daily life of a different era. This house tells a part of the story of the Soderling family and the community they lived in.
U.S. Inspection Station – Porthill, Idaho
The U.S. Inspection Station – Porthill, Idaho is found on Idaho Highway 1 in Porthill. It was recognized as a historic place on May 22, 2014. This station was likely a place where people and goods were checked when crossing the border. It shows the history of travel and trade between countries. Border stations are important for security and managing who comes in and out of a country.
U.S. Post Office – Bonners Ferry Main
The U.S. Post Office – Bonners Ferry Main is located at 7167 1st Street in Bonners Ferry. It was added to the National Register on March 16, 1989. Post offices have always been central to communities. They are where letters, packages, and news were sent and received. This building played a vital role in connecting the people of Bonners Ferry with the rest of the world.
Other Historic Sites
There are two other important historic sites in Boundary County that are also on the National Register:
- Snyder Guard Station Historical District: This district is located south of Eastport on United States Forest Service Road 211. It was listed on August 19, 1983. Guard stations are often used by forest rangers to watch over forests and protect them from fires. This district likely tells a story about forest management and conservation efforts in the area.
- Spokane & International Railroad Construction Camp: This camp is found east of U.S. Route 95 along the Spokane International railroad tracks, about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the Canada–US border, near Eastport. It was added to the list on June 23, 1994. Railroad construction camps were temporary towns built for workers who were laying down train tracks. This site helps us understand the hard work and effort that went into building the railroads that connected different parts of the country.
These historic places in Boundary County are like windows into the past. They help us remember the people, events, and changes that shaped this part of Idaho. By protecting and learning about these sites, we can better understand our history and appreciate the legacy left behind by those who came before us.