Packer John's Cabin

The two markers here disagree, and the record agrees with neither. The 1936 stone gives the cabin the first Democratic convention in the fall of 1863, the state sign a Republican one that year. By the state historical society's own account, the Democrats called their 1863 convention at Cottonwood House, later said to be this cabin, and finished it in Lewiston on October 15; they met at the cabin on July 12, 1864, and the Union party, the Republicans of the day, on August 27. John Hailey and the society restored it in 1909; fire took it in 1920.

What the plaque says

Packer John's Cabin One fourth mile north built 1862 First Democratic Territorial Convention held in cabin fall of 1863 Erected by Sons and Daughters of Idaho Pioneers 1936 Packer John's Cabin John Welch--always known as Packer John--hauled supplies from Lewiston to Idaho City during a major Boise Basin gold rush of 1863-1864. He built a cabin (1/4 mile north of here) that immediately became an historic Idaho landmark. Territorial political conventions (Republican in 1863 and Democratic in 1864) used his facility as a point where North Idaho leaders could meet with southern representatives to choose congressional candidates. This site now is a state park. 183

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• McCall Smokejumper Base — 7.3 mi
  Where conscientious objectors in the Second World War parachuted onto forest fires, and were shunned in camp for it.

More markers nearby

• Old Railroads — 19 mi
• Mesa Orchards — 25 mi