A History of the Salmon National Forest

Mrs. Don (Elizabeth) Smith was issued a contract in 1969 to prepare this History of the Salmon Forest — to record those early events and happenings that have led to, and been so instrumental in, the development of this large variable complex area of public land.

To provide the proper cornerstone for the development of the Salmon Forest it was necessary for her to research and record the previous 100 years of man's activity in the area leading to the establishment of the Forest. The influence of the events prior to the origin and development of the National Forest still remain in evidence throughout the forest today — Indian trails, artifacts, petroglyphs, homesteads, settlements, mines and roads.

The piecing together of this history has been a difficult task, early records are not complete and memories wane with time. In her statewide search and interviews with many "old timers", Mrs. Smith has done a remarkable job of tracing this history.

Mrs. Smith has had a strong interest in history of the Salmon country for many years before she undertook this project. She was a resident of the Salmon area for twenty years while her husband was pastor of the Salmon Methodist Church. Part of their residence was on a ranch on Withington Creek. As an enthusiastic outdoor recreationist she has traveled over much of the Forest and is personally acquainted with many of the present and past Forest personnel. The Smiths now reside in Boise, Idaho, and are active members of the Idaho Historical Society.

This history merely "opens the door" to many of the happenings of the past. As we inventory, study and develop the Forest we continually encounter evidence of the past worthy of recording and preserving. Additional contacts with the "old timers" will also add more to the story.

We are grateful to Mrs. Smith and all those who participated in this history and development of the Salmon National Forest.

J. L. EMERSON
Forest Supervisor