Idaho sure has changed a lot over the past century. We’re officially one of the fastest growing states in the country, whether we like it or not, and that means the Gem State is developing like crazy. Taking a look back at old photographs of our state’s early days is especially shocking during this chaotic time of growth. It’s fun to see just how much our major cities have changed, and also how they’ve stayed the same. Take a trip back in time and take a look at these 10 historic photographs of Idaho’s early era.
This photo of Twin Falls was taken sometime in 1940. Back then, Twin Falls was considered to be one of the main agricultural buying and distributing centers in the entire Snake River Valley.
Taken in 1941, this photo of high schoolers waiting to go to the pea fields reflects Nampa's extremely rural beginnings. Nampa is still a community of farmers but it's definitely blossomed into a thriving little city, as well.
Both the panoramic photo of Idaho Falls (top) and the aerial photo of Idaho Falls (bottom) were taken circa 1909. Although the town has retained many of its historic buildings, there's no denying that it looks a lot different than how it's pictured here.
Boise is arguably the city that has changed the most over the last decade. This street scene was photographed sometime in between 1917 and 1920. It shows a large procession of adults and children marching down a street in downtown Boise, most likely for the Fourth of July Parade.
The Boise Train Depot is one of the city's most iconic structures. However, the Oregon Short Line Railroad constructed Boise's first depot on the Bench just a short ways away from the present building. This is a photograph of the Short Line Depot, taken sometime in between 1880 and 1900.
What's funny about this photo is that it actually very much resembles present-day downtown Boise. Many of Old Boise's historic structures still remain in the downtown area (although they are inhabited by very different businesses nowadays). This photo was taken circa 1909.
This photo was also taken circa 1909. Although much of Old Boise remains to this day, this panoramic view is nearly unrecognizable without the giant buildings that can be found in the downtown area currently.
This photograph shows the famous Boise City National Bank on Idaho Street. Unfortunately, the bank was a victim to the Great Depression and closed forever in 1932. Many businesses have called the building home over the years, including Idaho Power Company (pictured above). Today it's home to some of downtown's most renowned restaurants including Fork and Alavita.
