This Vault In A Small Town In Idaho May Hold A Piece of Wild West History
By Courtnie Erickson|Published March 01, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Idaho has quite an interesting history and a part of that includes outlaws, robberies, and shootouts. Butch Cassidy is one of the most famous outlaws in the Old West and while he grew up in Southern Utah, he still made history here in Idaho. In fact, Montpelier, located in southern Idaho and just north of Bear Lake, is the location of the last standing bank in the entire world that Cassidy and his gang robbed. Today, you can visit this bank and even get a glimpse of what may be the original vault where Cassidy stole thousands of dollars.
Montpelier is a charming small town in southern Idaho. Just a short drive from Bear Lake, many individuals simply pass through on their way to the vibrant blue lake. But, there is one destination in town that you need to visit at least once — the Butch Cassidy Museum.
On August 13, 1896, Cassidy and two other outlaws robbed the Bank of Montpelier, which was the first chartered bank in Idaho and only a few years old. This is the only bank that the outlaws robbed that is still standing today.
While not a functioning bank, it is now a museum, where you can learn more about this interesting piece of Idaho history. During your visit to this museum, you can observe historic objects like an original bank vault where Cassidy may have stolen the large sum of money.
While the museum is not large in size, you won't want to rush through your visit. Take the time to view the pictures on the wall and the many objects on display. Seeing these items in person makes this event from Idaho's past even more fascinating.
Don't forget to stop in front of the museum to check out the Hollywood Star that recognizes Cassidy and this historic event. Take your picture next to the star to remember your time at this small-town museum.
Admission to the Butch Cassidy Museum is free. This museum offers regular hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, if you find yourself in this small town during the off-peak season and you wish to visit, contact the museum several days in advance by the email found on the museum's website, linked below.
Did you know about this piece of Idaho history? Have you ever been to this fascinating museum? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments. You can learn more about this museum on the Bank of Montpelier website.
Montpelier is just one destination where you can experience Old Idaho. Here are eight other places where you can step into the Gem State’s unique history.
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