In my current work-in-progress, which takes place in 1864, some of my characters are traveling toward Fort Boise. In 1864, Fort Boise was in its second location, where the current city of Boise, Idaho, is located.
Fort Boise
In 1834, the original Fort Boise began as a fur trading post on the Snake River, near what is now Parma, Idaho. It was originally a private post, but was taken over by the Hudson Bay Company in 1836. It became a major stopping point for emigrants on the Oregon Trail. At about two-thirds of the way to Oregon, the fort allowed many settlers to replenish badly depleted supplies.
This first fort was almost destroyed in a flood in 1853. Although it was partially rebuilt, it was abandoned in 1854, because the Army deemed it too hard to defend after a Shoshone attack near the fort. A replica of the old fort now stands in Parma, Idaho.
More massacres took place after the old fort was abandoned, but a new Fort Boise was not built until 1863. The new fort was about fifty miles east of the original fort location. The new site was chosen because of good grass, water, wood, and stone. The site was also near major routes between what is now Oregon and Idaho.
This second Fort Boise was opened by Major Pinkney Lugenbeel on July 4, 1863. (Major Lugenbeel plays a brief role in my novel.) Until 1879, this fort served primarily as a base for troops fighting Native Americans in the area.
One problem with the new location was that the Owyhee and Boise Basin mines were near the fort. Many soldiers deserted to become prospectors. But despite frequent desertions, Major Lugenbeel built a sawmill and quarry and constructed barracks for five companies of soldiers.
The second Fort Boise remained open until 1912, when the Army turned the fort over to the Idaho National Guard. After several other changes of ownership, the City of Boise acquired the site in 1950, and a portion of the land is now a city park in Boise, Idaho.
For more on the history of Fort Boise, see a Bingham News Chronicle article by Fred Davis dated July 19, 2021. The Bingham News Chronicle recently published a series on Forts of the Oregon Trail, of which this article is a part.
Although I’ve stopped in Boise while driving between Washington State and Missouri, I have never been to either Fort Boise location. Perhaps there’s a reason for me to make another trip.
What historical sites and replicas have you visited?
I just visited Ft. Fredrica on St. Simons Island, Ga. built in 1736 to protect Georgia from Spaniards. Interesting place! I’ll write more about it in a few weeks on my blog.
I lived in north Georgia for awhile but didn’t know of this fort. I have been to Kennesaw Mountain and Chickamauga battlefield parks. Also visited the infamous confederate Andersonville prison site. Locally, have toured Forts Osage, Scott, Leavenworth, and Riley ( to see Custer’s house). Two experiences that I really enjoyed were a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington and a candlelit tour of John Wornall house in KCMO.
Fort Osage was the first Missouri historical site I visited.