Shoshone County was established on February 4, 1864 with its county seat in Pierce, Idaho. Today, Pierce, Idaho is located in our neighboring country, Clearwater County. In 1885, the county seat was moved to Murray, as there was a gold strike there. It was later moved to Osborn (now spelled Osburn) in 1890. This would be located four miles west of Wallace. In 1893, it was moved to its current location of Wallace, Idaho where it still resides. Shoshone County was named after the Shoshoni Indian tribe.
Geography
The land area of Shoshone County is 2,640 square miles, approximately 640 square miles larger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island. The population of this large county is small; the 2000 census indicated only 13,771 people lived there with an average of five people for every square mile. The tallest mountain in the area, Stevens Peak, is located south of Mullan and is approximately 7,000 feet in height.
Demographics
Shoshone County’s population was spread out with:
22 percent under the age of 18
6 percent between the ages of 18 and 24
25 percent from age 25 to 44
27 percent from age 45 to 64
17 percent at age 65 or older
The median age was 42 years old, and for ever 100 females, there were 99 males. Additionally, for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97 males.
The median household income in Shoshone County was $28,535 while nationally it was $41,994. The racial makeup of the county was approximately 96 percent White while the remaining six percent was spread among African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino.
Industries
Shoshone County is commonly referred to as the Silver Valley due to its mining history. The Silver Valley is the most famous producing silver mining area in the world with 1.2 billion ounces being mined since 1884. Gold, copper, lead, zinc and rare crystal found under ground are also mined. The southern part of the county held world class logging camps in places such as Marble Creek, The Flood Woods, Boulder Creek and Fish Hook Creek. The timber industry is an important part of the livelihood and history of Shoshone County.
Recreation
It also hosts two world class mountain bike trails, the Route of the Hiawatha, which is located on the Old Milwaukee Railroad Grade, and a trail running from Mullan to Plummer, Idaho on the Old Northern Pacific Railroad Grade. This trail is approximately 75 miles in length with approximately 29 miles, located in Shoshone County. The county also hosts two ski areas. Lookout Pass is the second oldest ski resort in Idaho with a continually running free ski school. For the last 60 years, it has taught approximately 40,000 kids to ski and snowboard. The original lodge was built by Franklin Deleanor Roosevelt’s CCC’s (his famous Civilian Conservation Corp). The second ski resort, Silver Mountain (formerly named Jack Ass), is located at Kellogg. It hosts the world’s longest gondola and is currently expanding under the leadership of the Jeld Wen Corporation. World class condominiums, water park and championship golf course are currently under construction. Kellogg also hosts the world’s largest car dealership, Dave Smith Motors.
Shoshone County has world class blue ribbon fishing streams such as the North Fork of the Couer D’Alene, the St. Joe and the Clear Water Rivers. There are approximately 50 alpine lakes—many with cutthroat rainbow and brook trout. Hunting possibilities are endless and many elk, deer, bear and upland game birds are taken during bow, rifle and muzzle loader seasons.
ATV and snowmobiling are also very popular in Shoshone County. There are currently two groomers being operated by volunteers of the Shoshone County Grooming Board. They keep trails groomed for snowmobile use. There are endless miles of trails to ride in both the northern and southern sections of Shoshone County during all four seasons.
