The New International Encyclopædia/Boise

BOISE, boi′ze. A city, the county-seat of Ada County, Idaho, and capital of the State, 400 miles northwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, on the Boise River and on the Oregon Short Line Railway (Map: Idaho, A 4). It is the centre of an agricultural and mining district, and has large stock-raising interests; it is one of the most important inland wool markets in the United States, and controls a large general trade with southern Idaho. Water derived from the Boise River is utilized for irrigation, and also for power in the manufacturing industries. Natural hot water exists here in abundance, and is extensively used in heating the buildings of the city. Among the prominent features are a natatorium, the public library, several academies and a high school, business colleges, United States assay office, United States court, United States land office, the State capitol, penitentiary, and Soldiers' Home. Boise was settled in 1863, and in 1864, with a population of 300, it was organized as a city and became the capital of the Territory. Its charter provides for a mayor, elected biennially, and a single-chambered city council. Population, in 1890, 2311; in 1900, 5957.