About Caldwell
European and Hawaiian explorers soon followed the paths left by Indians, and hopeful emigrants later forged the Oregon Trail to seek a better life in the Oregon Territory. Pioneers of the Trail traveled along the Boise River to Canyon Hill and forded the river close to the "Silver Bridge" on present-day Plymouth Street.
Caldwell's inception largely occurred as a result of the construction of the Oregon Short Line Railroad, which connected Wyoming to Oregon through Idaho. Robert E. Strahorn came to the Boise River Valley in 1883 to select a route for the railroad, and rejected the grade into Boise City as too steep, therefore choosing a site 30 miles to the west. He drove a stake into an alkali flat of sagebrush and the City of Caldwell was platted. Caldwell was named after one of Strahorn's business partners, Alexander Caldwell, a former Senator from Kansas.
Irrigation canals and waterways were constructed throughout Canyon County, and these facilities provided the foundation for an agricultural-based economy in Caldwell. The Oregon Short Line Railroad became part of the larger Union Pacific Railroad network and in 1906 the Caldwell freight and passenger depot was constructed. Caldwell experienced moderate growth as an agricultural processing, commercial retail and educational center during the twentieth century.
In December 1905, former Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg was killed by a bomb in front of his Caldwell home. He was assassinated by one-time union member Harry Orchard, who was sentenced to life in prison. The trial—based in Boise—was nationally publicized and featured a cast of real-life characters including famed lawyer Clarence Darrow, “Big Bill” Haywood and other Western Federation of Miners leaders. Quite the time for Caldwell!
Downtown Caldwell remained as the place to be in treasure valley until the 1980s when more commercial malls begain to be built in neighboring cities.
For decades, Indian Creek was almost forgotten, encased in a tunnel that ran underneath downtown Caldwell. When a carwash collapsed into the creek, many individuals worked to see the creek as an asset to the city which could make Caldwell a better place to live and help downtown revitalization. Since 2002, the city of Caldwell has “daylighted” much of the creek downtown and enhancements were made to the creek to add to its beauty. Take a walk with us today along Indian Creek and enjoy this beautiful park and the many pieces of public art that have been added over the years.
Growing our Future … Together
The work done by Destination Caldwell would not be possible without our generous donors, partners and sponsors. Please help us continue our work by donating today, naming a feature on Indian Creek Plaza, or by sponsoring one of our events. Unable to give? Help us by supporting our partners or by volunteering your time.
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