Idaho seems to be changing a little more with each and every day. New buildings seem to pop up over night and historic ones get knocked down. It's times like these where you can't help but feel nostalgic for a time when Idaho wasn't in the middle of so much change. These 10 photos from the early 1900s are fascinating reminders of our state's history. The places in these photos look a lot different today, but at least we have these mementos to remind ourselves where we came from.
1. Idaho State Penitentiary
Now called The Old Idaho State Penitentiary, this historic prison looks pretty much the same to this day. It just goes to show that there are some pieces of Old Idaho that are still alive.
2. U.S. Post Office in Boise
Boise's U.S. Post Office was officially completed in 1905. Surprisingly, this is another building that is still standing to this day. And it looks the same, too. The post office can still be found here and the building is a big part of downtown Boise's historic charm. However, those streets look a lot different!
3. Blackfoot, Idaho
Some of Bingham County's early settlers take a break from plowing Main Street in Blackfoot to pose for the camera. This fascinating shot was captured in 1907.
4. Waldram's Drug
Remember those old-fashioned drug stores? They're pretty hard to come by nowadays. This shot of Waldram's Drug in Rexburg, Idaho was captured sometime in the early 1900s. It's crazy to think about just how far simple shop set-ups have come.
5. Pocatello High School
It's easy to forget just how old Pocatello High School is until you see a photograph like this one. Although the school is still teaching students today, Pokey High was first opened way back in 1892. Oh, and nowadays it's considered the most haunted school in America.
6. Ashton Dog Sled Race
Did you know Idaho is home to the world's oldest dog sled race? The Ashton Dog Sled Race began in 1917 and is still a treasured annual tradition. This awesome shot shows what early races looked like and how big of a deal they were to the little town.
7. St. Anthony, Idaho
A train of early automobiles drive through the streets of St. Anthony on a snowy day. Do you think those things have four wheel drive?
8. Ririe, Idaho
The town of Ririe was first settled in 1888. Today it's home to just 656 people but we bet it looks a lot different now than it does in this picture.
9. White Knob, Idaho
Today, the town of White Knob is nothing but a ghost town. It began as a mining town when copper was discovered in the White Knob Mountains during the late 19th century. The mine closed in 1928 and the town's decline began shortly after. However, this picture serves as a reminder of the community that it once was.
10. Rexburg, Idaho
Some townspeople stop and pose for a photo in the town of Rexburg. The town was also settled in the late 19th century and boasts a population of roughly 25,000 today.
What did you think of these 10 photos from the early 1900s? Did you recognize any of these places? Check out The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Idaho for more wonderful reminders of our state's early days!
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