Boise, ID
Capital of Idaho
Known as “The City of Trees”
Overview
Boise is the capital city of Idaho, located in the West region of the United States. Founded in 1863, the city has grown to a population of approximately 235,684 residents within a state of 1,839,106 people. As both the largest city and capital of Idaho, Boise serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.
The city is home to the Idaho State Capitol, a Neoclassical structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1920. Designed by John E. Tourtellotte and Charles F. Hummel, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Boise has served as the capital of Idaho since 1865. Before Boise, the state's capital was located in Lewiston.
Idaho State Capitol
The Idaho State Capitol in Boise is the only state capitol in the United States heated by geothermal water, tapping into natural hot springs beneath the city. Modeled after the U.S. Capitol, the building features a sandstone exterior and a distinctive dome with a bronze eagle on top. A major renovation completed in 2010 restored the building to its original grandeur and added modern amenities.
U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Notable Features
- Only U.S. state capitol heated by geothermal energy
- Sandstone exterior sourced from Table Rock near Boise
- Bronze eagle statue atop the dome
- Marble from Alaska, Georgia, Vermont, and Italy in the interior
- Replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace in the rotunda
- Extensive renovation completed in 2010
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The Idaho State Capitol is the only capitol building in the U.S. heated by geothermal hot water from underground springs.
- ★Boise's name comes from the French 'les bois,' meaning 'the woods,' given by French-Canadian fur trappers.
- ★The dome is modeled after the U.S. Capitol and stands 208 feet tall.
- ★A 5.5-foot replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace stands in the rotunda.
- ★Idaho's capitol was built with native sandstone quarried from Table Rock, a prominent mesa overlooking the city.
- ★Boise is home to one of the largest Basque communities outside of Spain, reflected in its Basque Block cultural district.