Overview
"After reaching the plain, the course of the stream is marked by a line of green timber, which gave rise to its name among the early trappers- 'Boisse' or the ‘Wooded River'- this green strip of vegetation winding its way through the desert sage plain, gave a more cheerful prospect to the view . . . never can the recollection of the grandeur of that scene be blotted from memory - the sunset from the Big Hill of the Boisse will always be a greene spot in the past. "
- From the pioneer journal of Winfield S. Ebey, August 20, 1854
The arrival of immigrants in Southern Idaho has had a long-standing impact on the region. With the growing number of people coming to the area, it has changed its cultural identity, brought new economic opportunities and influenced the environment around it. As more people have become acquainted with the various aspects of Idaho’s culture, they have been drawn to its agricultural potential as well as its terrain and climate.
The most profound change is that immigrants have shifted the demographics of Southern Idaho over time. A large number of European settlers choose to make this area their home in order to work land and farm crops. This influx made an enormous impact on population figures; where before there were few, now there are many. As these new residents explored their homeland and started to call it their own, they formed communities built upon diverse backgrounds and customs that blended together in a unique way.
In addition to bringing cultural diversity, emigrants also offered benefits economically. Small agricultural businesses began appearing which created jobs for locals who didn’t know how to farm or cultivate land themselves. The same goes for other enterprises needing laborers such as construction companies, service industries and retail stores. This provided invaluable financial stability for locals in need as well as tax revenue for state/local governments.
Finally, this settlement marked an important shift in terms of environmental awareness; something that wasn’t prevalent before but was integral for those settling down in Southern Idaho. By seeing firsthand how local wildlife reacted and adapting practices accordingly, these newcomers developed their own sustainable style living with minimal damage to their surroundings. Through thoughtful stewardship they strengthened relationships between humans and nature throughout this region - creating harmony never seen before.
In essence, emigrant migration across Southern Idaho made an indelible mark on all aspects of life there – culturally, economically and environmentally speaking – by bringing a group of people looking not only for opportunity, but also ways to contribute positively towards this special place we now call home.
