Learn About Wallace, Idaho

Wallace Overview

City History

• Wallace is a city in the Silver Valley of northern Idaho, known for its rich mining history.
• Founded in 1884, Wallace quickly became a booming mining town with the discovery of silver, lead, and zinc in the surrounding mountains.
• The city played a significant role in the mining industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, earning it the nickname "Silver Capital of the World."

Interesting Facts

• Wallace is home to the last stoplight on Interstate 90, which was installed in 1949 as a traffic control measure.
• The city has the highest concentration of historically significant buildings in Idaho, with over 340 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Wallace was also the setting for the 1991 film "Dante's Peak," starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton.

Interesting People

• Wallace is known for its colorful characters, including the legendary mining magnate Noah S. Kellogg, who discovered the Bunker Hill mine in the area in 1885.
• Another notable figure from Wallace is Betty MacDonald, author of the popular children's book "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle."

Top Attractions in Wallace

• The Oasis Bordello Museum, a former brothel turned museum that offers a glimpse into the city's colorful past.
• The Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum, which showcases the history of the railroad in Wallace and the surrounding area.
• The Wallace District Mining Museum, where visitors can learn about the city's mining heritage and see artifacts from the area's mining operations.

Top Attractions Nearby

• The Silver Mountain Resort, a popular ski and summer resort located just outside of Wallace.
• The Route of the Hiawatha, a scenic bike trail that follows an old railroad route through the Bitterroot Mountains.
• The historic town of Kellogg, home to the Silver Mountain Gondola and the Crystal Gold Mine.

Population History

• Wallace's population peaked in the early 1900s at over 3,000 residents but has since declined to around 800 people today.
• The city experienced a decline in population in the mid-20th century due to the closure of many of the area's mines.

Geography

• Wallace is located in the Silver Valley of northern Idaho, surrounded by the Bitterroot Mountains to the east and the Coeur d'Alene Mountains to the west.
• The city is situated along the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River, which flows through the valley and provides opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation.

Economy

• Wallace's economy is primarily based on tourism, with visitors coming to explore the city's historic downtown and nearby outdoor attractions.
• The mining industry still plays a role in the local economy, with some mines in the area still operating today.

Culture

• Wallace has a rich cultural heritage, with many of its historic buildings and landmarks preserved for future generations.
• The city hosts several events throughout the year, including the Wallace Blues Festival and the Wallace Huckleberry Festival.

Notable Landmarks

• The Center of the Universe, a manhole cover in downtown Wallace that marks the geographic center of the city.
• The Pulaski Tunnel, a historic site where firefighters sought refuge during the 1910 Great Fire, which destroyed much of the surrounding forest.
• The Wallace Carnegie Library, a historic library building constructed in 1906 with funds provided by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

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