Parma in Canyon County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Old Fort Boise

Photographed By Rebecca Maxwell, August 28, 2009

1. Old Fort Boise Marker

Inscription. An important Hudson's Bay Company fur trade post was established in 1834 four miles west of here on the bank of the Snake River.

Fur trading declined, but this British post became famous for its hospitality to American travellers on the Oregon Trail. An 1845 report spoke of "two acres of land under cultivation...1,991 sheep, 73 pigs, 17 horses, and 27 meat cattle - a welcome oasis at the ford of Snake River after 300 thirsty miles from Fort Hall. A flood in 1853 washed away the adobe buildings, and Indian trouble forced the Company to abandon the post two years later.

Erected by Idaho Historical Society. (Marker Number 85.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society, and the Oregon Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 43° 46.786′ N, 116° 55.941′ W. Marker is in Parma, Idaho, in Canyon County. Marker is on Parma Road, 0 miles west of Parma Rd., on the left when traveling north. Located close to the Old Fort Boise Replica at the east entrance to the city. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Parma ID 83660, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

as the crow flies. Marie Dorion (here, next to this marker); Old Oregon Trail (a few steps from this marker); Fort Boise (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old Oregon Trail (approx. 6.1 miles away in Oregon); Starvation Camp (approx. 6.1 miles away in Oregon); Old Fort Boise Snake River Crossing Kiosk (approx. 6.1 miles away in Oregon); Lower Boise (approx. 7.7 miles away); The South Alternate Route of the Oregon Trail (approx. 7.8 miles away in Oregon). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parma.

Regarding Old Fort Boise. Old Fort Boise was built in 1834 by the British Hudson's Bay Company near the confluence of the Boise and Snake Rivers. It was built for the purpose of diverting Indian fur trade from Fort Hall to the east. After the fur trade dwindled, Old Fort Boise remained as a vital supply center during the height of the westward moment of settlers along the Oregon Trail.

After the 1853 flood that washed away the fort, the Hudson's Bay Company attempted to rebuild it. However, the increasing hostility of Indians and the loss of British prestige in the Northwest forced it to be abandoned.

Additional keywords. Oregon trail, Hudson bay company

Markers in Front of Old Fort Boise Replica image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rebecca Maxwell, August 28, 2009

2. Markers in Front of Old Fort Boise Replica

Old Fort Boise Replica image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rebecca Maxwell, August 28, 2009

3. Old Fort Boise Replica

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. This page has been viewed 3,107 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 28, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.