City history
From its origins as a lush river valley described by French fur traders to its role as Idaho's bustling capital, Boise's history is defined by resilience and growth.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Woods"
While indigenous Shoshone-Bannock people inhabited the region, the earliest documented name used in historical records is Boise, derived from the French word for woods.
A settled urban hub.
Established during the Idaho gold rush to serve as a supply center.
Chapter two
The adoption of standard time by railroads helped synchronize Boise with the rest of the nation, moving away from local solar time.
The passage of the Uniform Time Act standardized the observance of daylight saving time across the United States, including the Boise region.
Chapter three
Boise City was officially established during the mid-19th century to serve the growing number of settlers and miners arriving in the Idaho Territory.
Idaho was admitted to the Union as the 43rd state in 1890, solidifying Boise's position as the permanent state capital.
The expansion of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in the early 20th century significantly connected Boise to broader national markets and time zones.