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

Red Hill I

Idaho State University

 
 
Red Hill I Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2024
1. Red Hill I Marker
Inscription.
The Red Hill “I” has a long-standing history with Idaho State University, starting with the first symbol placed there in 1916 — originally a "T" to represent the institution when it was known as the Idaho Technical Institute. The beloved campus icon has evolved over the years, including a complete restoration of the Red Hill "I" in 2019 and to this day continues to be a proud symbol of what it means to be a Bengal.

The spot on the quad where you are currently standing offers one of the best viewpoints of the Red Hill "I" — use the nearby phone stand to take a photo of you and the "I" and record your moment in Bengal history.

1916
"T": The Original Symbol

Originally a "T," the campus symbol was first placed on Red Hill in 1916 in recognition of the institution's evolution from the Academy of Idaho to the Idaho Technical Institute.

1926
"T" Modified to be a “4”

The "T" became a tool for the students to display their desire for a four-year institution by changing their letter into the number "4."

1927
"T" Becomes an "I"

Finally, when "the Tech" was made the University of Idaho Southern Branch in 1927, the students couldn't wait
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to turn the "T" into an "I."

1927-2014
The “I” Lives a Long Full Life

The iconic mark keeps a watchful "I" over campus for 87 years. Occasionally requiring upkeep in the form of whitewashing and chicken wire. A number of campus traditions related to the “I” existed.

2014
Icon Removed

The "I" was eventually removed completely in June 2014 due to safety concerns related to ongoing erosion.

2019
”I” Restored

With an innovative design consisting of concrete foundations, a raised steel frame, and colored fiberglass grating — the new “I” was brought to life again.

The Red Hill “I” restoration project was funded through a generous donation from the Dr. Lawrence H. Rice Family. Dr. Rice spent more than 35 years of devoted service at Idaho State University.
 
Erected by Idaho State University.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: EducationLandmarks. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
 
Location. 42° 51.656′ N, 112° 26.022′ W. Marker is in Pocatello, Idaho, in Bannock County. It can be reached from the intersection of South 8th Avenue and Hill Road, on the left when traveling north. The marker is on
Red Hill I Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2024
2. Red Hill I Marker
Looking east from the Idaho State University Quad. The "I" is visible on Red Hill in the background.
the walkway near the south end of the Idaho State University Quad. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pocatello ID 83201, 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: Site of Reed Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leonard Hall Pharmacy Building (about 400 feet away); Charles H. Kegel Liberal Arts Building (about 500 feet away); Idaho State University (about 700 feet away); Utah & Northern Railroad (about 700 feet away); Vocational Building & Hangar (approx. 0.3 miles away); Volcanic Activity Near Pocatello (approx. 0.9 miles away); American Indian Heritage (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pocatello.
 
Also see . . .  Red Hill "I" Restoration Project (Idaho State University).
(October 2, 2019)  Excerpt:  "The ‘I' on Red Hill is an important part
The Red Hill "I" image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2024
3. The Red Hill "I"
of the legacy of Idaho State University,” said President Kevin Satterlee. “This monument symbolizes the traditions that have shaped our great institution, and it will forever be a hallmark that alumni can return to and celebrate our history.”

The new “I” is 71 feet long and 24 feet wide. It was designed by a team of ISU civil and environmental engineering students who were assisted by faculty in the same department. ISU Facilities Services provided project management and oversight. A&E Engineering was the engineer of record and advised the team of ISU students on the design. Starr Corporation was the contractor who built the “I.” The ISU College of Technology’s Civil Engineering Technology program did much of the surveying for the project.

(Submitted on July 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.) 
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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Jul. 13, 2026