Boise in Ada County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Airmail Service
Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, September 24, 2009
1. Airmail Service Marker
U.S. commercial airline service began with a Varney Airlines flight from Pasco to Boise which landed here on April 6, 1926. Army planes had delivered airmail before that time.
After Varney Airlines was merged with newer companies to become United Airlines, this flight was recognized as United's initial flight. A year later, Charles A. Lindberg landed here on his national tour after his solo flight to Paris. Boise's municipal airport continued to serve planes here until 1940 when 8,800-foot runways were built at its present site.
Erected by Idaho Historical Society. (Marker Number 72.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1926.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 43° 36.212′ N, 116° 11.665′ W. Marker was in Boise, Idaho, in Ada County. It was on Campus Lane 0.1 miles west of Broadway Avenue (U.S. 20/26), on the left when traveling west. Located on Boise State University campus near Bronco
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was on Idaho’s Snake River Plain. It was also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: First Protestant Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ Chapel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Crossing the River (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (about 500 feet away); Bronco Stadium (approx. 0.2 miles away); Father of Bronco Football (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boise.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Boise State University
Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, September 24, 2009
2. Airmail Service Marker at BSU
Additional commentary.
1. Marker no longer exists
The Airmail Service historical marker and the nearby Boise State University signs were removed when the BSU stadium was remodeled in 2012 and the adjacent street rebuilt. It has not been reinstalled anywhere in the area. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted March 1, 2020, by MacArthur Eld of Parma, Idaho.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. This page has been viewed 3,107 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 25, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
