From its rugged pioneer roots to its vibrant present, Twin Falls, Idaho, boasts an expansive history shaped by innovation, community, and the breathtaking beauty of the Snake River Canyon. This article explores the stories, landmarks, and key moments that have shaped Twin Falls into the remarkable city it is today.
Twin Falls’ Story Dates Back to Thousands of Years Ago
Twin Falls’ history dates back thousands of years. Excavations from 1959 at nearby Wilson Butte Cave revealed evidence of native people, including arrowheads, having lived there at least 10,000 years ago. Wilson Butte Cave’s findings are some of North America's earliest evidence of human habitation. Over the centuries, Native Americans have resided in the region, specifically near Northern Shashone and Bannock.
The 1800s: Twin Falls is First Visited by Explorers
The first people of European ancestry discovered Twin Falls in the early 1800s. Led by American Wilson Price Hunt in 1811, a group of men were employed to travel overland from St. Louis, Missouri, to Astoria, Oregon, for the purpose of beginning fur trade exploitation in the Pacific Northwest. Word has it that Hunt used information from the Lewis and Clark expedition for the group’s challenging trek. Unfortunately, the Snake River flowing through Twin Falls proved too rough to handle, causing a few canoes to capsize and resulting in the death of one man in the turbulent rapids of Cauldron Linn. Forced back on land from the destruction, Hunt’s party finished the journey on foot. Just a year later, in 1812, Robert Stuart led an overland expedition from Astoria to St. Louis, which, once again, passed through today’s Twin Falls. Stuart’s 2,000-mile trek took about 10 months to complete and would eventually form what has become known as the Oregon Trail. Present-day Twin Falls named Robert Stuart Middle School in the explorer’s honor, paying homage to his bravery in completing the arduous journey.
It wasn’t until 1864 that the historic Twin Falls, Idaho, had its first permanent settlement: a stage stop. Built from basalt rock and mud, the station allowed stagecoaches to get fresh horses along their route on Kelton Road, which traveled near the future Twin Falls for decades. Nicknamed the “Stagecoach King” for his stagecoach empire in the 1800s, Ben Holladay operated coaches that traveled along the Kelton Road from the train depot in Kelton, Utah, into Idaho Territory. The stage stop near Twin Falls was located on the south rim of Rock Creek, where workers used a horse-drawn hoist to lift buckets of water from the creek.
In the later half of the 1800s, government officials and settlers desired to distribute water to the desert-like landscape of the Snake River Plain, which makes up about a third of Idaho. Unlike other parts of the state at the time, which had valuable resources like minerals and timber, Southern Idaho relied on the economic potential of the Snake River and its tributaries to attract settlers. By 1890, several colonists and officials leveraged numerous strategies to use the river for irrigation—but by 1900, no large-scale project had succeeded—fortunately, a man by the name of I. B. Perrine would soon change this.
The Early 1900s: The Official Establishment of Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls’ history continued in 1900 when I. B. Perrine, a prosperous farmer and rancher in the Snake River Canyon, founded the Twin Falls Land and Water Company (now owned by Twin Falls Canal Company) in hopes of building an irrigation canal system for the region. Perrine’s extensive farming experience and the need for a basic irrigation system in the canyon motivated him to find a way to bring water to the dry land surrounding the Snake River. However, according to historian John Rosholt’s writing, there was more to the picture:
According to the only existing interview with Perrine regarding how he got the idea of reclaiming the land above the Snake River Canyon, he was asked in 1895 by the Oregon Short Line Railroad to find a bridge site over the river between Lincoln and Cassia counties because the Southern Pacific Railroad was drawing all the trade from Cassia County. He explored the river and located the present site of Milner Dam as a railroad bridge. The Carey Act of 1894 having made area reclamation feasible, Perrine's plan took shape.
What began as a search for a railroad bridge location ultimately set the stage for one of Idaho’s most significant irrigation projects. This project transformed the region’s barren landscape into fertile farmland, leading to the establishment of the historic town of Twin Falls, Idaho.
After surveying about 244,025 acres in August 1900, Perrine’s company received water rights in October of that year, allowing them to begin constructing an irrigation system in Southern Idaho. Several regions in the surveyed area were set aside for future towns, eventually becoming the settlements of Twin Falls, Buhl, Hansen, Kimberly, Filer, and Murtaugh. In 1902, the project nearly failed when most investors withdrew, leaving Stanley Milner of Salt Lake City as the sole remaining backer. Fortunately, by 1903, Perrine secured private funding from Milner and others under the Carey Act of 1894 to build a dam near Cauldron Lane. Finally, in 1905, the project was completed, and the Milner Dam and its canal system made large-scale irrigation outside the canyon possible for the first time ever. Due to his efforts, I. B. Perrine is widely named the founder of Twin Falls, Idaho.
Because of the Milner Dam and its canal system, what was once an arid landscape quickly transformed into a lush, agriculturally rich area, sparking rapid growth in Twin Falls and the surrounding cities. Named after the nearby parallel waterfalls on the Snake River, Twin Falls was officially incorporated as a village on April 2, 1905. Later, in 1935, the construction of Twin Falls Dam would divert most of the river’s flow into a hydroelectric project, leaving only Shoshone Falls standing. In 1907, Twin Falls became the epicenter of the newly formed Twin Falls County.
The Later 1900s: Twin Falls’ Expansion & Notable Historic Moments
Following its establishment, Twin Falls continued to experience massive growth, becoming a major regional economic center serving the agricultural industry. The city became known for processing several agricultural commodities, including beans and sugar beets. From the 1920s to the 1940s, Twin Falls was a rebellious Prohibition-era town, with underground speakeasies, bootlegging operations, and secret liquor shipments thriving despite federal restrictions. The city's remote location and strong agricultural economy made it an ideal hub for illicit alcohol distribution. Law enforcement often turned a blind eye or struggled to keep up with the growing black market. Even after Prohibition ended in 1933, the city maintained a lively nightlife and a culture of defiance with a streak of independence that shaped its identity for years to come, even still today.
By 1960, Twin Falls, Idaho, became one of the largest cities in the state. Just 14 years later, in September 1974, Twin Falls, Idaho, would unexpectedly jump into the national spotlight. Famed daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the Snake River Canyon in a modified rocket cycle. The stunt aired for millions to watch on a closed-circuit TV on a sunny Sunday afternoon, but the attempt failed due to the high winds and premature deployment of Kneivel’s parachute. Although Kneivel’s stunt didn’t work, the nation’s eyes quickly turned to the humble town of Twin Falls, which quickly started attracting daredevils from around the country. In 1987, three former U.S. Army paratroopers from Twin Falls made a BASE jump off the Perrine Bridge, which was completed in July 1976. Today, the bridge is one of the few man-made structures in the U.S. where BASE jumping is legally permitted—drawing thousands to Twin Falls for the daring plunge.
Present Day Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho, is now known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and top-rated community college. The College of Southern Idaho was established in 1965, and thousands of college students visit the ever-expanding city yearly. Local attractions include the 212-foot Shoshone Falls, nicknamed “the Niagra of the West,” the Snake River Canyon along with the renowned Perrine Bridge, and the 7-mile Canyon Rim Trail that offers breathtaking canyon views.
Historic downtown Twin Falls carries the city's charm and offers a blend of rich history, locally owned shops, and vibrant dining experiences. Strolling through its streets, visitors can admire beautifully preserved architecture, discover unique boutiques, and enjoy cozy cafés and restaurants that showcase the town's welcoming spirit. Whether exploring historic landmarks, attending community events, or simply soaking in the small-town charm, downtown Twin Falls remains a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Whether ziplining above the Snake River Canyon or enjoying a musical production at the historic Orpheum Theatre, Twin Falls is remarkable. With a history spanning thousands of years, Twin Falls, Idaho, is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the enduring values of freedom and independence.
Take a Bite of Twin Falls’ Rich History at Turf Club
Want to experience Twin Falls' rebellious spirit and can-do attitude, which helped shape the city into what it is today? Founded on July 4, 1946, Turf Club began as a hidden speakeasy for ranchers tucked away among the cornfields. In a time when independence and a lively gathering place were in high demand, it quickly became the go-to destination for good times in early Twin Falls, Idaho.
Now a fine dining restaurant with a reimagined hidden bar, Turf Club remains the place to be for those desiring to experience Twin Falls’ unforgettable history. With locally procured steaks, fresh seafood, craft cocktails, live music, and more, we seamlessly blend the Club’s storied past with an elevated dining experience, making every visit a celebration of tradition and taste. Visit our space for a one-of-a-kind dining experience where history, flavor, and ambiance come together for a memorable night.
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