City of Pocatello

City of Pocatello Municipal Water Report Info

Known as the "Gateway to the Northwest," Pocatello was established in 1889 and served as a crucial passage for pioneers and gold miners traveling the Oregon Trail through the Portneuf Gap. Transportation routes, including stage lines, cargo services, and eventually railroads, transformed the area into a vital commercial hub.

Native Heritage
The city's name honors a Shoshone tribal chief who granted railroad passage rights through the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. The Shoshone and Bannock tribes inhabited southeastern Idaho for generations before Lewis and Clark's expedition in 1805, whose reports of the region's abundant resources attracted fur trappers and traders.

Early Settlements
Fort Hall, one of the first permanent settlements, was established in 1834 by Nathaniel Wyeth just northeast of present-day Pocatello. As the fur trade declined, Fort Hall became an important supply station for Oregon Trail migrants. While many travelers passed through, it wasn't until the 1860 gold discovery that significant settlement began.

Transportation and Growth
The gold rush created demand for goods and services, with the Portneuf Valley serving as a primary route for stage and freight lines. The Union Pacific Railroad's expansion made "Pocatello Junction" a major transportation center, supporting the development of Idaho's mineral resources.

Agricultural Development
After the gold rush subsided, remaining settlers turned to agriculture. Using irrigation from the Snake River, the region became an important producer of potatoes, grain, and other crops. Residential and commercial development began taking shape by 1882.

Idaho State University
Founded in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho, today's Idaho State University hosts over 12,000 students from around the world. ISU is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution offering more than 200 programs across diverse fields including energy, health sciences, nuclear research, education, humanities, engineering, arts, technology, biological sciences, pharmacy, and business.