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.
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.