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Historic Sites in Idaho
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Mining Memorial
The 1972 Sunshine Mine Fire was the worst mining disaster in
recent history, killing 91 miners. This monument, a
twelve-foot-tall sculpture of a miner with his drill raised is
surrounded by plaques listing the names of the dead. A local
landmark nearby is the Miner's Hat. This building, constructed
in the shape of a miner's hat, was a tavern. It is now the
Miner's Hat Realty. The adjacent hillsides offer an opportunity
for a close inspection of the Belt Supergroup rocks with veins
of ore. For information call: (208)784-0821
Old Mission State Park
Old Mission State Park features the oldest standing building in
Idaho, The Mission of the Sacred Heart, built between 1848 and
1853 by members of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and Catholic
missionaries. The park also has a recently restored Parish house
next door to the mission, and a historic cemetery. The visitor
center includes an interpretive exhibit on the area and the
Coeur d'Alene Indians. There is a large grassy area for picnics.
The Mission walls stand a foot thick, without the benefit of
nails. The structure was woven carefully of straw, mud and
wooden pegs. Inside, there are no pews because the Indians
preferred to worship in an open room. Over 300 members of the
tribe labored over the construction. The Mission became a State
Park in 1975. Visit the Mission August 15 for the annual Coeur
d'Alene Indian pilgrimage and taste traditional native foods at
the "Coming of the Black Robes" pageant. For information call:
(208)682-3814
Silver Valley Historical Area
The Silver Valley is an important historical area in Idaho. Gold
was discovered a few miles north of Wallace in 1882, which then
led to the discovery of silver, lead and zinc in the region.
Since that time, the Valley's Coeur d'Alene mining district has
been one the largest silver mining regions in the world. The
valley's mining history provides the traveler unique
recreational adventures from ghost towns to gold panning. For
information call: (208)784-0821
Treaty Rock
On June 1, 1871, Frederick Post made a deal with a prominent
Coeur d'Alene Indian leader to obtain more than 200 acres of
Spokane River land to start a mill here. They recorded this
cession of land on a prominent rock adjacent to Post Falls. This
inscription can still be seen here. For information call:
(208)773-4080
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, which occurred from 1804 to
1806, was one of the most dramatic and significant episodes in
the history of the United States. It stands, incomparably, as
our Nation's epic in documented exploration of the American
West. On the journey to the Pacific Ocean, the Lewis and Clark
Expedition passed through North Central Idaho. There are several
historic sites and trails. For information call: (208)743-3531
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