Official Home Page of

the Fort Hall Replica Commission


Fort Hall Replica at the upper level of Ross Park, Pocatello, Idaho

A visit to the Fort Hall Replica

is to enter the 19th Century world of explorers, trappers, fur traders, Native Americans, pioneers, Gold seekers, historic figures, and common folk; all of whom visited the place called Fort Hall on the banks of the Snake River in what is now Southeast Idaho. The roads to the Replica follow close to the Oregon and California Trails and other famous roads and byways. The Fort Hall Replica Commission invites you to come and join us. As you browse the above links you will find: The Fort Hall Diary, a collection of first hand account of the Forts Hall and vicinity taken from letters, diaries, journals, and other accounts; a brief History from Wyeth's Fort to the Replica; The Old Fort Hall Broadsheet with a variety of articles; Plants includes pictures and descriptions of plants found on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and/or Southeastern Idaho originally identified and cataloged by Thomas Nuttall, plus plants found by Lewis and Clark in Idaho; On the Trail containing the names of the traders and visitors with amplifying data; Links to related on-line sites; Tourist Information on Replica with map; and Fort Hall Recipes with traditional foods. 

 

Why A Replica of Old Fort Hall

Pocatello and Southeast Idaho have a story to tell. It is a story of one of the most thrilling periods of American history, when a young nation fun of adventure and wanting new lands began the trek Westward, first in trickles, then in swarms, growing into the greatest [voluntary] migration that any nation had known. A story of the hardships and heroism, the sadness and the happiness, the anguish and success, the weak and the strong, a story of the will and determination to overcome all obstacles and conquer a vast wilderness. It is a story of the days of the Old Oregon Trail.

The major factor in determining that the Oregon Trail came through this territory and also the main reason for maintaining it from its start to its crest and on to its ebb, was the small outpost on the banks of the Snake River, Fort Hall. Built in 1834 as a trading post by Nathaniel, Wyeth, it was to prove to be of benefit expansion of the nation. Allowed to wither and decay, with the last of its timbers hauled away in 1863 to help build a stage station, it is now but a memory. But this memory should be prodded anew into life and its story told.

Each individual, whether his or her lot, owes homage or respect to an ancestor or forbearer. People feel a bondage that ties them to ancestry. Collectively, groups who feel that they are proud of the heritage that has been given to them, strive to show their appreciation. So it is up to us, who are reaping the benefits of some of the most dedicated, sincere and hardworking people who pioneered the Northwest, to retell their story and provide a monument to their memory.
Jack Alvord Idaho State Journal, 1962

The Spirit Behind the Replica

Beginning in 1960, Jack Alvord, as a member of the Idaho Territorial Commission, championed the building of replica of "Fort Hall". Jack was tasked with the responsibility for the development, and directed the preliminary studies to determine the costs, outline tentative plans, and select a location for the fort. He then supervised the initial construction. As Chairman of the Fort Hall Replica Commission, for many years Jack planned and oversaw the building of additional internal structures, design, and collection of most of the major items in the fort. Jack died in 1980 and his wife, Laura, joined the Commission. Laura decorated the Factor's Quarters and continued spearhead the collection of items for the fort. She also conceived and for many years supervised the "Living History Days." Laura died in 1994. Jacque Alvord is the current Fort Hall Replica Commission Chair.

 

This "The History Ring" site is owned by
Liz Golden.

Want to join the The History Ring?

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