Near Fish Haven in Bear Lake County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Bear Lake

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2017

1. Bear Lake Marker

Inscription. Discovered in 1812 by trappers returning home from Astoria, Oregon, this valley and its large lake soon became an important fur trade center.
Donald Mackenzie, Jim Bridger and a host of famous beaver hunters operated here. Two major summer frolics and trade fairs brought plenty of excitement to Bear Lake in 1827 and 1828. Helping local Indians repel Blackfoot invaders, those trappers never forgot their wild festivals here.

Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 384.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 42° 1.842′ N, 111° 24.006′ W. Marker is near Fish Haven, Idaho, in Bear Lake County. Marker is on U.S. 89 at milepost 2.2 near Loveland Lane, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fish Haven ID 83287, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Settlement of Fish Haven (approx. 0.6 miles away); The First Oregon Trail (approx. 3.8 miles away in Utah); Gutzon Borglum Monument

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(approx. 5.7 miles away); St. Charles (approx. 5.7 miles away); British Settlers (approx. 10.6 miles away); Bloomington (approx. 10.9 miles away); Fur Traders Rendezvous (approx. 12.2 miles away in Utah); Thomas Sleight Cabin (approx. 13.3 miles away).

Additional keywords. Fur Trade

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2017

2. Bear Lake Marker

This marker is the left-most of the two panels.

Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway information panel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2017

3. Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway information panel

Click on image to enlarge it.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 20, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.