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History of the Lava Hot Springs Area |
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This newest
exhibit at the South Bannock County
Historical Center Museum tells the
story of the Shoshone-Bannock people
and Lava Hot Springs.
See photos of their people, a map of the area and read how
the land was purchased from the Fort
Hall reservation by the State of
Idaho for public use. |
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For years people have
gathered at the springs to bathe, rest and
worship. Many people believe that there are
curative properties associated with the hot
mineral water and refer to the Springs as
"the healing waters" It is rumored that long
ago the Springs were neutral ground and
shared in peace by all.
Once part of the original Fort Hall
reservation, the springs and land were part
of a treaty agreement between the Indians
and the US Government in the late 1800's.
The federal government purchased the springs
and land, approximately 178 acres including
the springs.
A 1902 act granted the lands to the State of
Idaho to be held by the State for public
use. Later all rights to the operation,
management, control, maintenance and
improvement of the lands and property were
vested in the
Lava Hot Springs Foundation, an
agency within the Idaho Dept. of Parks &
Recreation. |
The South Bannock County
Historical Center Museum
acts to preserve the heritage of the
area. It is open daily from noon to 5:00 p.
m. and after hours by appointment. Admission
is free but donations are gratefully
accepted.
Click for
More of Lava's History
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Lava Hot Springs Railroad Depot
in about 1920.
After the train depot was constructed in
1902-1905 the hot springs were accessible to
the western traveler. The depot was used as
a home, north west of Lava Hot Springs on
U.S. Highway 30 until it burned down on
April 1, 2004. |
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