Touring Boise

We drove into Boise on Tuesday and found the Visitor's Center and picked up information on things to see.   We have been to:

1.   Idaho Historical Museum where we spent 3 hours reading and looking at the exhibits on the state of Idaho.

2.  The Basque Museum - In the old section of town is a one-story building which tells the story of the immigration of the Basque people to the United States.   It was very interesting, as I knew nothing about that nationality at all.   The most interesting thing was to read about the famous people who are of Basque nationality:   Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, Ravel (composer of Bollero),  Ted Williams.   I enjoyed watching a video of a 105 year old lady who told of her coming to the United States and settling in Idaho.   She spoke in the Basque language, so it was translated on the screen.   

The Capitol Dome, as seen from the Rotunda

Idaho State Capitol building

3.  The Capitol Building - the Territorial Capitol was built in 1885, but because of crowding (and no indoor plumbing) a new capitol was built in 1912.  It was remodeled during the 1950's and 1970's.   In 2005 the building was restored.  It is unusual in that atrium wings were added on both the east and west side of the building....underground!   It adds space for committee hearing rooms and offices.   The building is heated with geothermal energy.

4.  The Old Idaho Penitentiary 1870-1973.     The pen was started in 1870 and over the course of the prison's open period there were 10 executions - all by hanging.   We were able to tour the 1899, 1921 and 1954 cell blocks, the Women's Ward, and see the "cooler" and the solitary confinement building.

5.  The Black History Museum which traced the achievements of the black citizens of Idaho and the fight for integration and equality.   The museum features artwork and sculptures of local artists as well.  

The downtown area of Boise is very easy to navigate, and there is plentiful parking.   On Saturday, our last full day here the smoke from the fires in the area had become so think you were unable to see the tops of the buildings downtown, and the air was heavy with smoke.   We will leave tomorrow (Sunday) for Jerome/Twin Falls KOA which is about 2 hours SE of Boise on I-84.