What is the history of Idaho Falls?
The portion of the Snake River Valley which is now known as Bonneville County has been a crossroads for Indians, trappers, miners, vigilantes, road agents, a Pony Express, wagons, stagecoaches, railroads, homesteaders and nuclear specialists. The Idaho Falls section of the Snake River Valley, located on the banks of the Snake River, was known for many years as the only crossing point. In 1862 the Eagle Rock Ferry, named because of an eagle nest built on nearby rock island, was established. In 1865-1866 James Madison “Matt” Taylor, who freighted supplies to and from gold fields, envisioned a toll bridge, which became known as Taylor’s bridge. Shortly after, the community began to flourish. The area officially became a city 1879 and was named Eagle Rock. In the 1890’s Eagle Rock prospered and Taylor’s toll bridge was replaced with a public access bridge. Land promoters came to the area and decided it had many possibilities, particularly if the town’s name changed to imply an abundance of
