The history of Twin Falls, Idaho

by | Mar 14, 2023

Located in south-central Idaho, Twin Falls is a city with a rich and varied history. From its beginnings as an early settler’s homestead, to its rapid growth as a tourism destination, this small town has undergone many changes over the years – it even briefly served as the state capital!

Let’s take a look at some key moments in the history of Twin Falls.

Founding

The city dates back to the late 1800s. Originally settled by Mormon pioneers, this small settlement eventually became known as “Twin Falls” due to two waterfalls located nearby. Its two beautiful waterfalls are Shoshone Falls and Pillar Falls. Both of these iconic falls are located just outside of town and are a major attraction for visitors from near and far.

Shoshone Falls: Shoshone Falls stands as one of the largest waterfalls in America. It is 212 feet tall and known as the “Niagara of the West.” The falls can be seen year-round, but they really come alive during spring runoff when they reach their fullest power.

Pillar Falls: Located just 5 miles away from Shoshone Falls, Pillar Falls stands at an impressive 80 feet tall. Its calming ambiance is a great place to relax and get away from it all! The falls feature various colorful rocks that have been smoothed by centuries of rushing water.

Growth and Expansion

By 1890, Twin Falls had blossomed into an important agricultural center – its fertile lands provided plenty of opportunity for growth. Along with agriculture, tourism soon developed in the area as well – visitors were drawn to its unique setting and beautiful waterfalls.

In 1907, Twin Falls served briefly as the provisional state capital when Boise experienced flooding. This was a testament to how far it had come.

Modern Times

Today, Twin Falls is home to around 50,000 people and plays host to various attractions including Shoshone Falls Park and Magic Valley Mall. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day popularity, this city has certainly come a long way.

Alongside economic development, Twin Falls is also home to various public services such as hospitals and educational institutions. These institutions provide a vital resource for locals – their presence demonstrates how far the town has come.

Many people love to call Twin Falls home. If you are interested in purchasing a home in Twin Falls, contact us today about a home loan.