The Oldest Hotel In Idaho Is One Of The Oldest In The United States

It's fascinating to me to look into the history of Idaho and discover things like the oldest hotel in the state, one of the country's oldest hotels. The story of the hotel is just as unique as being able to still stay at the hotel. Love Exploring shares a list of the oldest hotels across the country, and what got my attention was that the hotel in Idaho, which was built in 1863, had to be moved three years later.

The Idaho Hotel was moved from Ruby City to Silver City after Ruby City lost the county seat. In late 1866, the hotel was driven by oxen through the snow and ice-covered roads and reassembled. According to Love Exploring, " Inside, it's all hand-grained wood dating back to 1882, and there's even a tunnel beneath the hotel connecting to a former mine. Today, rooms are modest, and the restaurant serves a menu of mean American classics."

The hotel was originally built to accommodate miners and visitors during the area's mining boom. It's been restored and maintained over the years, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the past.

Throughout Silver City you're going to find many of its original structures still standing. The town is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists interested in experiencing a piece of the past.

The hotel closed around 1942, and in the spring of 1972, Edward Jagels purchased the building and the old front doors were once more open for business. According to Historic Silver City Idaho, " The Idaho Hotel became Ed's personal crusade, and he dedicated the rest of his life, nearly 30 years, to restoring this grand hotel and preserving its place in history."

Many businesses also had offices in the hotel, like the telegraph and telephone companies, doctors, lawyers, and more. You can still book rooms at the hotel, and the current owners have done a great job of continuing Ed's goal of preserving the hotel.