Caldwell in Canyon County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Emigrant Crossing

Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, September 9, 2009

1. Emigrant Crossing Marker

Inscription.
After reaching Boise River, emigrant wagons had to travel 30 miles to find a good crossing about ¼ mile north of here.

They had to avoid a wide zone of shifting channels, so they descended Canyon Hill where the route is still visible. In 1853, Maria Belshaw "…crossed Boise River at ford, 15 rods wide 3 feet deep, beautiful river, gravel bottom, very clear, large salmon in it." After crossing, the road headed westward along a route that became US 20.

Erected by Idaho Historical Society. (Marker Number 455.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society, and the Oregon Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 43° 41.296′ N, 116° 41.296′ W. Marker is in Caldwell, Idaho, in Canyon County. It is on U.S. 30 0 miles east of West Plymouth Road, on the right when traveling east. Located off of Interstate 84 at Exit 26 on Old Hwy 30. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Caldwell ID 83607, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Snake River Plain

and in Greater Boise.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Caldwell Train Depot (approx. 1.4 miles away); A.K. Steunenberg, Frank Steunenberg (approx. 1½ miles away); Idaho's First Heroine - Madame Marie Dorion

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(approx. 1.7 miles away); Mill Wheel (approx. 3.7 miles away); Middleton Sub-Station (approx. 3.7 miles away); Hostility Erupts Into Violence (approx. 4 miles away); Peaceful Trading Turns Hostile (approx. 4 miles away); Violence is Avenged (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Caldwell.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The College of Idaho (was approx. 2.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Additional keywords. Oregon Trail, Boise River

Emigrant Crossing Marker Off of Old Hwy 30 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, May 25, 2007

2. Emigrant Crossing Marker Off of Old Hwy 30

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. This page has been viewed 4,122 times since then and 131 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 9, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.