The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1891-08-29
KECHUM ATURAs COUNTY IDAHO SATURDAY AUGUST 49, 1891
only appear on the surface again at
the banks Of the Snake many miles

only appear on the surface again at
the banks of the Snake many miles
away.
There are many truly interesting
features connected with the lava
beds, and they are worthy of obser-
vation and study. Biologists who
have explored the volcanic regions
at the head of the Snake, around
the Tetons, and about the Yellow
stone Park, venture the assertion
that the great lava wave started
from immense volcanoes in those
regions and spread out over the val
ley in it's westward course. But if
they were to examine carefully the
country bounding the lava plains
on both north and south margins,
they would be convinced that a
whole range Of mountains extend
ing from the Yellowstone Park west
into Oregon was at one time con-
tinuous chain of volcanic fires, that
melted the mountains down like
wax and spread them out into what
is now the wonderful Snake River
Lava Plains.
THE WOOD RIVER COUNTRY.
AS we come in sight of the Wood
River Mountains the face Of the
country gradually undergoes a
change for the better. The lava rock
is rapidly disappearing and prairie
like stretches of agricultural lands
take it's place. The rich alluvial
deposits of the mountains and foot
hills are covered with meadows of
grass, and the presence of horses
and cattle speeding away at the ap-
proach of the train, tells US that we
are nearing civilization again. Soon
ranches come in sight, and titled
fields and farm houses scattered
here and there over the valley indi-
cate thrift and permanent settle
ment.
We can now see Big Wood River
as it leaves the mountains and
sweeps around to the west through
a beautiful and fertile valley. Farm
and hay lands reach out on both
sides of the railroad as far as you
can see. A little farther up and
Bellevue is in sight. This is pretty
little town Of about 1900 inhabit-
ants, and is the county seat of Logan
county. II is pleasantly situated
on broad plateau on the east side
of the river. It is termed the Gate
City of Wood River, and is a base
of supplies for an extensive mining,
stock-raising and farming commu-
nifty. The place is we'll laid out the
streets spacious, clean and smooth
and bordered with different species
of shade trees. There are many nea,
and costly residences, handsome
lawns and gardens and the city
throughout bears a home-like and
metropolitan air. An abundant sup.
ply of water is furnished through
bitches from neighboring creeks
There are numerous business
houses, churches of several different
religious denominations, printing
office and excellent school build.
ings. Although Bellevue was only
founded in 1880, it appears like 6
prosperous city of twenty-five years
growth. It is occupied by people
of enterprise and contentment, who
evidently are satisfied with the
place and intend to stay. Altitude
$500 feet.
! Two miles from Bellevue and or
the west bank Of Wood River ii
the mining town of Broadford, neal
which are some wonderfully rich
silver-lead mines. The Queen o
the Hills, Minnie Moore, Michigan
and a host of others have produced
many million dollars worth of sill
yer and lead, and are yet produc
ing. If the tourist SO desired, ht
could spend a day or two arouno
Bellevue and Broadford to. gooe
advantage viewing mines and mills
and different objects of interest.
TTO BE CONTINUED.