Boise in Ada County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Crossing the River

The First Broadway Bridge

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

1. Crossing the River Marker

Inscription. Many residents eagerly anticipated construction of the first Broadway Bridge. The Idaho Statesman declared in July 1891 that “It will be a Dandy.” The bridge, touted as one of the finest bridges of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, opened in April 1892. Originally used to accommodate wagons and horses, the bridge was also designed for streetcar use. The bridge provided a vital link to the south side of the river and spurred development in South Boise.

Erected by Idaho Transportation Department, Boise City of Trees, Boise City Dept of Arts & History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 43° 36.288′ N, 116° 11.62′ W. Marker is in Boise, Idaho, in Ada County. It is on S Broadway Ave (U.S. 26), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Idaho’s Snake River Plain.

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

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Crossing the River (here, next to this marker); First Protestant Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); Christ Chapel (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Crossing the River (about 700 feet away); Bronco Stadium (approx. ¼ mile away); Father of Bronco Football (approx. ¼ mile away); Bronco Gymnasium (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boise.

Other markers no longer nearby. Airmail Service (was about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Boise State University (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

2. Crossing the River Marker

Crossing the River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, June 27, 2023

3. Crossing the River

View of the bridge and Boise River looking north.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.