Misc. Records
Where to Emigrate and Why - Frederick B. Goddard, Peoples Publ. Co., 1869
IDAHO.
THE Territory of Idaho, the "Gem of the Mountains," lies directly east of Oregon and Washington Territories, with Nevada and Utah forming its southern boundary.
The length of the Territory from north to south is 410 miles its width on the southern boundary is 385 miles, while on the northern it is only 50. It contains 58,196,480 acres, nearly all of which is open to settlement as public land. Its population is about 22,000. The Territory is best known for its mines of silver and gold.
The general characteristic features of the surface of Idaho are lofty mountain ranges, abounding in rugged spurs deep gorges and cañons cut by furious torrents, with frequent beautiful agricultural valleys, vast areas of desert waste covered with drifting sand or the "everlasting sage brush."
MOUNTAINS.—The principal mountains in Idaho, are the Rocky, Bitter Root, and the Bear mountains, on the east, with the Owyhee range on the south. The Boise range is a spur of the Bitter Root.
RIVERS.—The Snake River and its branches drain the whole Territory, except a portion, of about 120 miles long and 45 wide, in the extreme northern part, which is drained by Clark's Fork of the Columbia and. its branches, and an irregularly-shaped portion in the southeastern corner, which is drained by Green and Bear rivers. Bear River falls into Salt Lake, and Green River empties into the Colorado. This portion of the Territory has some farming and a large amount of good grazing lands, and is very scantily supplied with wood. No mines have been discovered in it. The principal branches of the Snake River in Idaho are the Clearwater, Salmon, Payette, Boise, and many small rivers and creeks, which, uniting, form a large river, with many falls and rapids and a current of great swiftness.
VALLEY OF THE SNAKE.—The Valley of the Snake is a huge crescent-shaped basin, about 500 miles long, and 250 miles at its greatest breadth. The whole interior is a bed of volcanic rocks, in which the rivers have cut deep cañons. The surrounding foothills are generally covered with bunch-grass, affording excellent pasturage. Along the streams are many valleys containing tracts of land well adapted to agriculture.
BOISE BASIN.—In some parts of the Boise Basin the sand is loose, and the wind drifting it over the plains obliterates all traces of vegetation. Whirlwinds often raise it to a great height, and when one of these dust storms passes a train of men and animals, the air is darkened, and breathing is rendered difficult until the storm is over. In the northeastern part of the basin, on the south side of Clark's Fork, are three lone mountains called the Three Titans; they rise, ragged and sharp in their outlines, and form a notable landmark for travelers. North of Fort Hall are three similar peaks called the Three Buttes, visible for a great distance. The highest, called Cedar Butte, is near where Lewis's Fork empties into the Snake. It is scantily covered with scrub cedars, and like the others, is undoubtedly of volcanic origin. When the whole country is densely populated the Snake River will be turned out of its bed, and used to irrigate this basin. In that way it can be rendered productive. If this river and its tributaries should thus be directed, navigation would sustain but little loss, while agriculture would be greatly benefited. All the streams emptying into the Snake some distance below the Shoshone Falls sink before they reach the river, and passing under the strata of lava, come out on the sides of the Snake cañon. Several of them shoot out at such a height as to form beautiful cascades; some at perpendicular leaps, others in a succession of small falls; some combine falls and rapids, and assume the most beautiful forms of falling water imaginable. The white spray and foam strikingly contrast with the black precipitous walls down which the rushing torrent plunges into the river below. In one case a river ran over the surface until it had worn into the rock a cañon about a half mile long. A beautiful basin or small lake still remains where the water formerly passed over. In process of time it formed an underground channel, and now comes out at the foot of the rock where the falls once existed. It is perfectly clear, and although the depth is great, the trout with which it is crowded can be distinctly seen at the bottom. Along the stream on each side of the cañon is a narrow belt of fine grass and willows, entirely hidden from view until the spectator stands on its banks. The contrast between the beautiful verdure here and the awful desolation of the surrounding plain is very striking.
The Boise Basin divides the mining portions of the Territory into two parts; one south and one north. The southern or Owyhee mines are in the Owyhee Mountains, and do not cover near the extent of the northern portion, which embraces the Boise, Lemhi, Salmon River, and Oro Fino mines.
TOWNS.—Boise City is situated on the east side of the Boise River, at the head of the fertile valley of the same name. It has a beautiful location, is well laid out, and contains many fine buildings. Nearly all the passengers and supplies for Boise Basin have to pass through it; hence it is a great staging center. Situated between the Owyhee and Boise mines, it will long be the commercial center of the southern part of the Territory. The climate is milder than in the mines, and resembles that of Utah. Boise Basin is about thirty miles northeast from Boise City. Its length is from fifteen to eighteen miles, and breadth from six to eight. It contains a number of towns and many mining districts, and is the most populous part of the Territory. The present population is estimated to be about 10,000. Idaho City, the largest town, was recently burnt, but has been partially rebuilt. It contains probably 4,000 inhabitants. Central City, Placerville, and Pioneer are well-built mining towns, containing about 1,000 inhabitants each. Salmon River has been the scene of two wild mining excitements. One in 1862, at Florence, on Meadow Creek, where 8,000 or 9,000 miners collected—to leave in as short time as they assembled. The town contains at present about 200 persons. The other excitement was at Lemhi, this summer, where 7,000 to 8,000 miners collected—to scatter as suddenly, except some 800 or 900 who had claims, or who could not get away. The valley of the Clearwater is a large and fertile agricultural valley, the home of the Nez Percés Indians. Lewistown, Oro Fino, and Elk City were once flourishing places, but now contain only a small population. Lewiston, from its situation at the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers, the head of navigation, must in time become a place of importance. Warren's Diggings have a considerable mining population.
The portion of the Territory drained by Clark's Fork of the Columbia has a milder climate than is found farther south, and corresponds to the Yocko and Bitter Root valleys in Montana.
There are three lakes of considerable size in Idaho, the Coeur d'Aline, about twenty-four miles long, and two or three wide, very irregular in form; the Pen d'Oreille, a crescent-shaped lake, about thirty miles long, and five broad; and the Boatman, about the same length, and six miles wide. The Pen d'Oreille and Clark's Fork are navigable for steamers for eighty miles.
The discovery of the Owyhee mines led to the building of Boonville; Ruby, and Silver cities. Boonville was built first, and depended on placer mines; it is now nearly deserted. Ruby City was both a placer and vein mining town; at present it is supported by a few placer and quartz mills, neither increasing nor diminishing perceptibly in population. Silver City is the largest town in Owyhee. It is a picturesque village, neatly packed away among the mountains, in Jordan's Cañon, with mines, quartz mills, hotels, stores, dwellings, school-houses, which serve for churches on Sundays, and an active mining population, and will long be a mining town of importance.—Browne's Report.
Governor D. W. BALLARD, in his annual message to the territorial legislature of 1866–'67, says:―
For the first two years after the settlement of our Territory, Idaho was looked upon only as a theater for speculation, and as a place for a temporary residence, where, by enduring the necessary toil and privations, rapid fortunes might be acquired. The Territory was first peopled by those whose object was the acquirement of a speedy fortune, and, this being done, to return either to the Pacific or Atlantic States; but this feeling is rapidly subsiding, and the abundant success attending both mining and agricultural pursuits during the past year is fast removing the prejudices that have formerly existed against Idaho as a location for permanent residence.
The most reliable information on the subject establishes the fact, that the yield of precious metals, in the aggregate, for the past year exceeds that of any preceding year. This, in connection with the fact, that operations in gold and silver quartz, our principal source of mineral wealth, are as yet only in embryo, is a source of gratification to every one concerned in the future prosperity of the Territory. The ledges already opened and worked uniformly present indications of increasing richness; in not a single instance have there been indications of depreciation in the deposits of mineral wealth. Only a small proportion of the gold and silver-bearing quartz ledges already discovered and known to be rich, some of them almost fabulously so, are as yet being worked. From observations made during the past summer by intelligent and scientific gentlemen, the conclusion is drawn that these ledges, which have yielded so abundantly during the present year, will next year produce still greater profits, while many more will be successfully opened, and their yield be found equally abundant.
Agricultural pursuits, for two years almost totally neglected, have been prosecuted during the past year with the most gratifying results. Many hundreds of acres in the Boise Valley and other localities have been brought under cultivation, and it is cheering to learn that the yield per acre, of both cereals and vegetables, will compare favorably with the yield of any other locality on the Pacific coast. The day is not far distant when but little, if any, of the productions raised on the Pacific coast will be brought over the Blue Mountains for the support of the people of Idaho Territory. Arrangements for more extended operations in both mining and agricultural pursuits are already in progress for the ensuing year. The amount of land cultivated this year will doubtless be more than doubled next, and it is safe to estimate that equal success will attend the mining interests of the country. In connection with the agricultural interests of the Territory, it is not uninteresting to know that an enterprising farmer of Boise Valley, during the past summer, cultivated sorghum with the most successful results.
While the two principal pursuits of our Territory, mining and agriculture, have thus been prosecuted with efficient energy and success, all other industrial pursuits consequent upon them have been correspondingly remunerative, and it is believed that there are more settled families, more competent business men, more active and worthy working men, such as constitute the bone and sinew of every country, now in our midst, who look upon Idaho as their future home than there ever have been at any previous period.
The idea of extravagant speculation is giving way to patient toil and well-regulated economy, and, judging the future by the past, this healthier sentiment on the part of the people will gradually increase until Idaho will abound in all the fixtures and elements of a well-established and properly organized community. As the resources of the country are more and more developed, other branches of industry, hitherto dormant, will doubtless be thrown open for the active and energetic labor of the country. All things considered, the future of Idaho may now be looked upon with more confidence than at any former period of her history.
MINES.—The mines of Idaho occur in isolated groups separated by long tracts apparently barren in the precious metals. They may be divided into four districts. On the north, Oro Fino and Elk City; then east and west, the Salmon River, the Boise Basin, and Rocky Bar, and in the south, the Owyhee mines. Gold was discovered in this Territory on the banks of the Pen d'Oreille River, in 1852, by a French Canadian, but not in paying quantities. In 1860, a company of prospectors discovered the Oro Fino mines, and during that winter 25 men remained there. The mines at Elk City were soon after discovered. In the spring of 1861, 1,500 or 2,000 men came to work them. Oro Fino Creek has paid in spots for a distance of 20 miles; Rhodes Creek and Canal Gulch also proved to be good localities, and although no remarkably rich placers were found in 1861-'62 the mines paid very fairly. Since then the discovery of Boise Basin, Owyhee, and Montana have drawn the miners from this district. Except at Wassen's diggings, very little is done in this part of the country at present. When wages become cheaper, miners may rework these mines to advantage.
THE POORMAN MINE.―In regard to this rich and celebrated mine, Mr. BROWNE remarks:―
The net yield of the ores from this mine is wonderful, and is due mainly to their richness. A large amount is left in the tailings. The managers are perfectly aware of this, for at the company's mill, by a well arranged system of reservoirs, all the tailings are saved, so that when the water leaves the last reservoir it is clear and can be used over again. This mill is well constructed and conveniently arranged. The ore is crushed wet and is amalgamated in pans. This collects the free gold, the silver from the chloride of silver, and a portion from the silver glance; but the gold from the sulphurets, and nearly all the silver in combination with sulphur, remain in the tailings. The average yield of the ore is $229.41 per ton.
A correspondent writes to the Cincinnati Enquirer from Boise City, under date of December 20:―
The first settlement commenced in the spring of 1863; the first shanty went up in Boise in July of that year. Now there are twenty respectable stores, with stocks ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. There are three hotels, seven livery stables, six blacksmith shops, one tin shop, two silversmith's shops, three shoe and boot shops, two saddle shops, two churches (small), three butcher shops, several restaurants, tailors', gunsmiths', and a variety of other shops. Also two fine flouring mills. Flour is now 7 cents per pound ; pork, by the hog, 20 cents; retail, 25 to 30 cents; beef about the same; good mulch cows, $50 to $100; butter, 75 cents to $1 per pound; milk, 75 cents per gallon; chickens, 75 cents to $1 per head; eggs, 75 cents to $1 per dozen —now $1.50; sugar, 25 cents per pound; coffee, 40 cents; dried fruit, 28 to 33 cents; lard, 35 cents per pound; potatoes, 2 cents; other vegetables in proportion; onions, 4 cents; cabbage, 3 cents, and so on. No out-of-the-way country ever improved faster than this. We have good farming tools—reapers, mowers, and thrashers. Orchards are beginning to bear. It is a good stock country. I am not yet feeding my mulch cows. My young cattle are good beef running in the hills. There is a very small proportion of tillable land in the Territory, but what there is is generally excellent, being altogether very level. If ever you come here you will be sure not to like the appearance at first sight, for it
looks like all hills and mountains; but I plucked wild flowers on the foot of the hills to-day, and herewith inclose one or two. We have daily mails from the East, California, and Oregon.
From the Report, for 1867, of LAFAYETTE CARTER, Surveyor-General of Idaho, we extract the following:―
CLIMATE.—The altitude of Idaho Territory, with its mountains and table-lands, renders the winters cold compared with the country lying west, but dry and healthy.
The Boise, Payette, and Weiser valleys are sheltered and mild.
SOIL.—The soil of the valleys is highly favorable to the growth of cereals and. vegetation. Extensive crops are raised where irrigation is practicable. The alkali land, mostly covered with sage-brush, has proved well adapted to the raising of grain. The soil, reported second rate, being decomposed granite, yields the heaviest crops.
TABLE-LANDS.—The extensive table-lands are covered with wild grasses and. wild rye, and are valuable for grazing.
TIMBER.—The mountains are clothed with pine and fir timber. The valleys are destitute of timber except a species of cottonwood growing along the banks of the rivers. The valleys are depending upon the mountains at a heavy cost for lumber and fuel.
MINERALS.—Gold is found on the head-waters of all the rivers. Rich placer mines have been profitably worked for years on the Clearwater and Salmon rivers. Extensive placer and quartz mines are found on the Boise River and its branches, embracing several districts. Many rich quartz lodes of gold and silver have been discovered and partially worked; their future development depending upon the reduced cost of transportation and other expenses, which thus far have retarded the growth and prosperity of the country.
The quartz and placer mines of Owyhee County, situated in the southwest part of the Territory, have proved to be eminently rich so far as developed. Some of the ledges are being worked with valuable machinery, repaying the capital invested, though at an enormous outlay. The quantity and quality of the ore already abstracted are favorable indications of their future wealth.
Several thousands of gold and silver quartz claims have been taken up and recorded, more or less prospected, but the heavy expenses under which the miners of this Territory have labored, has, in general, prevented their successful development. The near approach of the Pacific Railroad to the southern borders of the Territory will materially reduce the cost of working the mines, when the resources of the country will be more favorably brought into notice.
POPULATION.—From the most reliable sources of information the population is estimated at twenty thousand. This does not include the floating portion of miners, which this year has been comparatively small.
IMPROVEMENTS, &c.—The farmers in general have erected substantial dwellings, barns, and fences, and are extensively engaged in planting fruit-trees. Many thousands of apple, plum, pear, peach, and cherry trees have been planted, some of which are already bearing. These were obtained at a distance, under the customary disadvantages, but will, in another year, repay the risk and outlay.
The following description of the "shrub of the desert," which covers so large a portion of the great Plains of the West, may not prove uninteresting:―
"SAGE-BRUSH.—This shrub in general appearance resembles the cultivated sage, having the same form and color, flower, leaf, and branch; its aroma being similar, but stronger and not so agreeable. Its average height is about three feet; sometimes it attains the height of five feet, with a diameter of four or five inches. The sage is strictly the shrub of the desert. From the eastern foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, and from Mexico to the British possessions, it occupies nearly all lands too poor and dry to support any other vegetation. It burns, even when green, with a quick bright flame, and in many extensive districts is the sole fuel of emigrants, miners, and prospectors. In the Slate Range district, in the southern part of California, it was used successfully as fuel in generating steam for a quartz mill. The cost of gathering and using it is about the same as that of wood in a moderately wooded district. Where Indian labor is available it is much cheaper. A smaller variety, called the white sage, is valuable for grazing in the winter. Cattle thrive on it, but it imparts a peculiar though not disagreeable flavor to beef."
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler.