National Register of Historic Places listings in Lemhi County, Idaho facts for kids
Welcome to Lemhi County, Idaho! This special place is home to many important historical sites. These sites are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a national hall of fame for buildings, places, and areas that tell a big part of America's story.
In Lemhi County, there are 15 different places on this list. One of them is even more special and is called a National Historic Landmark. These landmarks are the most important historical sites in the entire country! By learning about these places, we can travel back in time and discover what life was like long ago in Idaho.
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Discovering Lemhi County's Historic Treasures
Lemhi County is full of history, from old mining towns to important trails. Let's explore some of the amazing places that have been saved because of their historical value.
Charcoal Kilns: Giants of the Past
Imagine giant stone ovens standing tall in the wilderness. That's what the Charcoal Kilns near Leadore are! These kilns were built in 1972. They were used a long time ago to make charcoal, which was super important for mining. Miners needed charcoal to help melt metals like lead and silver. These kilns are a cool reminder of Idaho's mining history.
Fort Lemhi: A Pioneer Settlement
Fort Lemhi is a very old site near Tendoy. It was one of the first settlements in Idaho built by pioneers. It was established in 1855 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This fort was a safe place for people who were exploring and settling in the area. It played a big role in the early days of Idaho.
Leesburg: A Gold Rush Town
Have you ever heard of a gold rush? Leesburg was one of those exciting places! Located west of Salmon, this town was founded in 1866 when gold was discovered nearby. Thousands of people rushed to Leesburg hoping to strike it rich. It became a busy mining town, but like many gold rush towns, it eventually became quieter. Today, Leesburg is a historic district, meaning the whole area is protected because of its past. It reminds us of the adventurous spirit of the gold miners.
Lemhi Pass: A Famous Journey
Lemhi Pass is not just a place; it's a famous pathway through the mountains! This pass, located east of Tendoy, is where the famous explorers Lewis and Clark first crossed the Continental Divide in 1805. This was a huge moment in American history because it was the first time Americans had traveled across the continent. It's also where Sacagawea, their Native American guide, recognized her homeland. Lemhi Pass is so important that it's a National Historic Landmark!
Salmon City Hall and Library: Community Hub
The Salmon City Hall and Library building in Salmon is another important historic site. Built in 1907, this building has served the community for over a century. It's where local government decisions are made and where people can find books and learn. It shows how important public buildings are to a town's history and daily life.
Other Notable Historic Sites
Many other places in Lemhi County are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each one has its own unique story to tell.
- Episcopal Church of the Redeemer: A beautiful old church in Salmon.
- First Flag Unfurling Site, Lewis and Clark Trail: The spot where the American flag was first raised west of the Continental Divide by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- Lars Geertson House: An old house southeast of Salmon, showing early pioneer architecture.
- Lemhi Boarding School Girls Dormitory: Part of a former boarding school for Native American children, telling a complex story of education and cultural change.
- Lemhi County Courthouse: The main building for local government in Salmon, built in 1910.
- Socrates A. Myers House: Another historic home in Salmon.
- Odd Fellows Hall: A building in Salmon used by a fraternal organization, important for community gatherings.
- Salmon Odd Fellows Hall: Another Odd Fellows Hall, showing the importance of these groups in the past.
- Shoup Building: A historic commercial building in Salmon.
- Shoup Rock Shelters: Ancient rock shelters near Cobalt, showing signs of early human life in the area.
These sites help us understand the rich history of Lemhi County, from its early inhabitants to the pioneers, miners, and community builders who shaped it. Protecting these places means we can continue to learn from the past for many years to come.
Images for kids
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The unique Charcoal Kilns near Leadore.
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The old schoolhouse in Leesburg, a historic gold rush town.
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Lemhi Pass, a significant crossing point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
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The historic Salmon City Hall and Library building.
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Some historic sites have restricted addresses for privacy or protection.
