Near Bellevue in Blaine County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Wood River Mines

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 26, 2017

1. Wood River Mines Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Rich strikes in 1879 led to a rush in the lead and silver mines of this valley. The famous Minnie Moore Mine alone produced a total of $8.4 million worth of ore.
Mining quickly brought a railroad and prosperity. The Ketchum smelter pioneered electric lighting. Hailey soon had Idaho's earliest phone service and three daily newspapers. But lodes ran out and mining declined. Now these hills attract more skiers and actors than miners. In 1984, Clint Eastwood filmed his movie Pale Rider near here.

Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 154.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list.

Location. 43° 28.831′ N, 114° 16.264′ W. Marker is near Bellevue, Idaho, in Blaine County. Marker is on North Main Street (State Highway 75 at milepost 113) near Kirtley Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellevue ID 83313, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rialto Hotel (approx. 3.4 miles away); J.C. Fox Building (approx. 3.4 miles away); J.J. Tracy Building (approx. 3½ miles away); Bullion Block Site/Werthheimer Building (approx. 3½ miles away); W.H. Watt Building (approx. 3.6 miles away); Timmerman Junction Oregon Trail Kiosk (approx. 10.3 miles away); Magic Reservoir (approx. 12.8 miles away); Ketchum (approx. 14.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellevue.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 26, 2017

2. Wood River Mines Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 606 times since then and 210 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.