Cottonwood, Idaho

Indians had lived in this area long before the arrival of white man. Evidence at the Weis Rockshelter southwest of Cottonwood shows that Indians were here as long ago as 5500 B.C.

But it wasn't until 1862, that Mr. Allen opened a weigh station near Lewiston Idaho and put Cottonwood on the map. He used nearby cottonwood trees to build a combination store, saloon, hotel, and stage station. The hotel was called the "Cotton-Wood House." The Nez Perce had called this area "kap-kap-peen" meaning village in the hole. It was a stage stop, but was also a round-up center for wild hroses during the middle 1880s. It was also well known for its town well.

During the Nez Perce war of 1877, the town was a supply station for soldiers. An early battle took place here too when Chief Joseph was moving east from the Walla Walla, Washington, area. The battle took place at White Bird Hill. Cottonwood was aslo a supply point for gold miners. In 1936, $3 million in gold was mined in the county.

In 1878 the post office was established. In 1880 a blacksmith shop and store were built. Cottonwood was incorporated in 1901. In 1906, the Community of St. Scholastica in Colton, Washington, decided to move its Motherhouse and the Novitiate to Cottonwood, to a site about three miles outside of town. The Priory Chapel and Alter are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 1908 was an eventful year when the town was destroyed by a huge fire. Within two years it was rebuilt. The railroad also came to town in 1908. The railroad trestle at Lawyer's Canyon is the tallest steel trestle in the United States. Cottonwood shipped a good deal of home grown wheat ground from its flour mill by rail.

The new St. Gertrude Academy building, made of native stone, was dedicated in 1954 and is currently in use as the high school. The sisters of St. Gertrude have been the moving force behind the hospital in Cottonwood. In 1962, the current hospital was built and has been continuously improved since.

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Last updated: 2/7/98