Boise

Boise, city, United States

Boise (boi`sē, –zē), city (1990 pop. 125,738), state capital and seat of Ada co., SW Idaho, on the Boise River; inc. 1864. The largest city in Idaho, Boise is an important trade and transportation center. Food processing and the manufacture of paper and wood products, computer hardware and software, semiconductors, and electronics are the major industries. Many state and federal government offices are there, as are Boise State Univ. and the Idaho State Historical Musuem. A gold rush in the Boise valley and the establishment of a military post in 1863 led to the founding of Boise City, which grew as a distribution center for miners and became the capital of Idaho Territory in 1864. Later, particularly with the building of Arrow Rock Dam (1911–15), the region was developed for farming, and Boise drew wealth from orchards and fields rather than mines. Increased irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control projects associated with the Boise River have increased the area's agricultural yield.

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Boise, river, United States

Boise, river, c.160 mi (260 km) long, rising in SW Idaho and flowing west to join the Snake River at the Oregon line. In 1811 the Boise River, originally called Reed's River, was explored by an expedition financed by John Jacob Astor (1763–1848), an American merchant. Irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control are part of the Boise project.

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Boise

City (pop., 2000: 185,787), capital of Idaho, U.S. The largest city in the state, it lies on the Boise River. Following the 1862 gold rush to the river basin, Fort Boise was established in 1863, and a community developed to provide services for the mines. It became the capital of Idaho Territory in 1864, and of the state in 1890. Agricultural expansion and the growth of the lumber industry contributed to its rapid growth. Boise is the headquarters of the Boise National Forest.

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Boise, Boise City

a city in SW Idaho: the state capital. Pop.: 190 117 (2003 est.)