Pocatello in Bannock County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
The City of Pocatello
Chief Pocatello Monument
In the late-1800's, what would become Pocatello was a rest stop on the Utah and Northern Railroad, which went from Utah to Butte, Montana. In 1882, the Oregon Short Line Railroad extended its lines here, creating a junction and transfer point between two railroads. The Utah and Northern later became the Union Pacific Railroad, and Pocatello became home to the largest railcar repair and maintenance facility west of the Mississippi.
By 1888, the rapidly-growing makeshift city was already being called "Pocatello Junction." Because all travelers going north had to come through Pocatello, it became known as the "Gateway to the Northwest."
In 1888, an Executive Order ceded 1,840 acres of Fort Hall Reservation land for the City of Pocatello and the city was officially incorporated in 1889.
Today, far from its early rough-and-tumble origins, the City of Pocatello is a vibrant commercial, governmental and education center. Home of Idaho State University and a regional medical center serving the entire southeast pary of the state. The city has a grown base of high-tech employers.
The only "Pocatello" in the world, we're honored to be named for a leader who protected and cared for his people with courage, integrity and determination.
Erected by City of Pocatello.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 42° 50.782′ N, 112° 25.238′ W. Marker is in Pocatello, Idaho, in Bannock County. Marker is at the intersection of South 5th Avenue and South 4th Avenue (U.S. 30), on the left when traveling north on South 5th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2695 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello ID 83204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pocatello's Name in WWII (here, next to this marker); Native Foods (here, next to this marker); The Shoshone (here, next to this marker); Pocatello’s Life (here, next to this marker); Chief Pocatello (here, next to this marker); Old Fort Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Idaho State University (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pocatello.
More about this marker. This marker is located at the Visit Pocatello Idaho Tourist Information Center.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2017. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.