The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1914-06-26
THE EARLY HISTORY OF
CALDWELL AND
VICINITY

Whitman and Spaulding were the
very first Americans who left the
settled portions Of the east for what
was better known then as the wild
and woody west. They established mis-
sions and schools in 1886 to educate
the Indians. They crossed the Blue
Mountains and the Whitmans settled
near where Walla Wallao Washington
now is situated. The Spauldings To-
Gated in what is now Nez Perez
county, but in l847 Mr.. Spaulding, his
wife and eleven others were massacred
by the Indians.
Nathaniel Weyth was one OF the
first explorers of the west. He built
old Fort Hall on the Snake river in
1884.
Bonneville, captain in the United
States army, who asked and received
leave OF absence to come west and
explore the country. He explored in
Idaho, about where Bonneville county
now is located.
Many trappers and hunters came
through this part OF the country in
the early days, trapping and hunting
and many Hudson Bay trading posts
through this section of the country
When gold was discovered in Cali
fornia many hundreds of travellers
came across the country in search o.
gold. There were three routes
through Canyon county known as the
Oregon trails which lead to Oregon
and California. One Of the trails
coming from the east to Boise. where
they crossed the river and then down
on the other side Of Boise river and
past Falk's store. Other travellers
who did not cross the river at Boise
came down along the river to this end
Of the cemetery, across country to
the mill and forded the river where
the bridge now stands. The other
trail lead from Boise over towards
Emmett and then into Oregon.
There are not many legends OF the
Indians and very few fights. The In
dams only bothered the settlers on
nights when the moon was full they
would steal their cattle and horses
Over near Snake river man was shot
through the arm while trying to get
his horses headed off from the In
dams. Near Silver City several peo-
pie were killed by the Indians.
The first stage lines that went near
here were the stage line that crosses
the Payette river at Falk's Store and
ran to Middleton to the valley road
and then went on to Boise. Another
came across the Snake river at the
mouth of the Boise river, this stage
line came from where Vale, Oregon,
now stands
Several ferries also had been con-
structed at this time in order for the
travellers to cross with their freight
more easily. The first of these ferries
was situated on Snake river, eight
miles this side OF Homedale. This
was called Farewell Bend, because the
river made bend there and ran into
a canyon. Another was at Weiser on
the same line. A ferry was across the
Payette river at what was called
Bluffs station.
The first settlers that came to this
section were Simms and Andersons,
who were freighters and built the
first cabins in 1864. They settled Just
west OF town in the place that is
called Dixie. The first child born in
this vicinity was Eddie Pierce, his
mother died when he was just a small
child and he was then taken by fam
lily named Fuller. who renamed him
Eddie Fuller. The first marriage in
this city developed out of intrigue. The