Old Fort Boise

The post was a business move. Thomas McKay, a veteran leader of the Hudson's Bay Company's Snake Country brigades, built it in the fall of 1834 to undercut Nathaniel Wyeth's new American post at Fort Hall, and by 1837 the company held both. The French-Canadian François Payette ran it from 1835 to 1844 and moved it to the mouth of the Boise River in 1838. The 1927 bronze beside the sign records that the forts kept moving: one site was lost and the last was taken by the river. A replica stands in Parma.

What the plaque says

Dedicated to the memory of the Old Hudson Bay Fort Boise erected in 1834. The first one five miles east and the location lost. The last one five miles west is washed away by Snake River. Erected by Sons of Idaho 1927 Old Fort Boise 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...1991 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. 85 Text prepared by the Idaho Historical Society Marker made & installed by Idaho Transportation Department

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Marie Dorion — steps away
• Lower Boise — 7.7 mi
• South Alternate Route of the Oregon Trail — 7.8 mi
• Emigrant Crossing — 14 mi