Transportation: Railroads, Streetcars and Roads in Idaho

A Joel Overhead bridge over the Northern Pacific tracks in Latah County, Idaho. ISHS Photos: MS281.6.2.190B

Whitebird Bridge over the Salmon River. Was wrecked in 1931 by a cattle drive. 17 steers and one driver went into river. Loss was one steer.  ISHS Photos: MS281.6.2.192

Transportation and the building of infrastructure such as railroads and national highways played an important role in Idaho's settlement and the distribution of the state's natural resources, both locally and nationally. We have railroad records, including interviews, photographs and records of individuals and railroad companies in Idaho. We also have collections related to the building of roads and highways throughout the state, and the creation of the interurban railway in the Treasure Valley.

• MS281 contains records of the United States Bureau of Public Roads regarding highway construction in Idaho from 1915 to 1961. Included are project history notebooks, maps, traffic reports, and information on Indian Reservation roads. Photographic records of projects from all parts of Idaho illustrate geography before construction, construction methods, cities and other scenes.