Idaho City

Largest city in Pacific Northwest in 1864

State: Idaho County: Boise County Founded: 1862 Peak Population: 30,000-40,000

Idaho City was the LARGEST city in the Pacific Northwest in 1864—bigger than Portland. The Boise Basin gold rush brought 30,000-40,000 people. By 1870, Chinese miners made up nearly half the population. By 1920, only 104 people remained.

Quick Facts

  • Bigger than Portland in 1864
  • 36 saloons and 24 law offices at peak
  • Chinese miners made up nearly half the population by 1870
  • Population crashed from 30,000+ to 104 in 60 years

Location

Address: Idaho City, Boise County, Idaho

Coordinates: 43.8291, -115.8355