Pocatello in Bannock County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

The Bannock Hotel

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2024

1. The Bannock Hotel Marker

Inscription.
Bringing a touch of elegance to the rugged West, the Bannock Hotel stood on this site for 80 years as the city’s social and business centerpiece. Presidents and other notables enjoyed the hotel’s accommodations, while the Camille Room and Ballroom hosted elections, dinners, conventions, and high school, college and society dances.

In 1919, a seven-story Renaissance Revival tower designed by Frank Paradice was added to the original structure. The tower sported an impressive red brick façade with terra cotta ornamentation. The Bannock was a useful work of art then, as is this square today.

The hotel’s importance was enhanced by the prominence of Senator James Brady and his family, who owned it for many years. Its status declined in the late 70s as new motels developed along the freeways. Prohibitive cost to upgrade to meet fire codes led to demolition in 1983. The Bannock may be gone but fond memories still linger.

To the memory of Bob Thompson
from Bill Isley and Family

Erected 1989 by Leadership Pocatello, Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Pocatello.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location.

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42° 51.66′ N, 112° 27.101′ W. Marker is in Pocatello, Idaho, in Bannock County. It can be reached from the intersection of South Arthur Avenue and Center Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located near the fountain in Simplot Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 155 South Arthur Avenue, Pocatello ID 83204, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Idaho’s Bear River Country. 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 walking distance of this marker: Simplot (here, next to this marker); Nearby Historic Buildings (here, next to this marker); Pocatello History (here, next to this marker); Railroad History (a few steps from this marker); American Indian Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Pocatello — Area Geology (a few steps from this marker); The Great Bonneville Flood (a few steps from this marker); Volcanic Activity Near Pocatello (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pocatello.

Also see . . . Bannock Hotel Photos (Bannock County Historical Society Collection).

Excerpt: Bannock Hotel Employees, 1936. The Bannock was a first class hotel, in the grand style. Photo was taken in the old Elks Club Lodge Room, North Arthur, Pocatello. In the center in the front row is S.E. Brady, owner of the Bannock Hotel.
View of Bannock Hotel, Spring, late 1920's, taken from the
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2024

2. The Bannock Hotel Marker
The marker is inscribed atop the concrete pedestal.
Whitman Hotel building, downtown Pocatello.

(Submitted on March 12, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2024

3. The Bannock Hotel Marker

Looking south through Simplot Square. The marker is beside the fountain, on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.