Boise is a city full of culture, adventurous places, and many beautiful sights to see. The beauty of this city is not hidden from anyone, and as a tourist, you can have it all when you visit Boise. With beautiful natural places to see and adventure spots to visit, Boise also offers you a number of wonderful historical buildings that you can visit and admire the art and history.

Many historic buildings have been restored, and some are still in their original shape and condition, offering visitors and even locals their originality, distinction, and regal and classic look and status. If you are not much familiar with the historic buildings of Boise, here is a list of all the amazing historical buildings of Boise that is sure to give you a sneak peek into its history:

Surgeons Quarters: 1864

The Surgeons Quarters is also located on the ‘Officers Row’ at the VA Campus and was also built at the same time when the Officer’s Row was built in 1864. Fort Boise was established during the Civil War, and its main purpose was to protect the state government’s engrossment in silver and gold, the miners, and the pioneers.

This historic building has earlier even served as a hospital for the US Public Health Services and later came under the umbrella of the VA in 1938. The Surgeons Quarters is still used for telehealth and is also called building-4.

Officers’ Quarters: 1863

The construction of this historic building, known as the Officer’s quarters, started in 1863 and ended in 1864, as per the Idaho Architecture Project. This building is reportedly the oldest building of Fort Boise and is also called ”Building 1”. This historic building serves multiple purposes, as it acts as the Emergency/ Safety/ GEMS building and is also located on ‘Officers Row”.

John A. O’ Farrell Cabin: 1863

The John A. O’ Farrell is the oldest and also the first-ever family home built in Boise. It is located near the VA, and according to the city’s official website, it was built in 1863 by Mr. John O’ Farrell for his family. It was originally built across the Street from where it is presently. The family eventually outgrew the family home, which was then donated to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

This property then moved to its present location in 1912 at Fort Street. It is officially a part of the historic buildings of Boise city now as they invested $51,000 apparently to restore it into a manageable appearance approximately twenty years ago. This beautiful old family home still has 85% of its original construction intact, but it is clearly not too shabby for a place that is around 150 years old.

Thomas Logan House: 1865

Adobe homes were actually a thing in history when people used to build homes with natural and durable materials. Looking at the Thomas Logan House, only a few people would be able to believe that it is an adobe home because it doesn’t really look like one, though it is made of sun-dried bricks. Most homes in the city of Boise were adobe homes back in the 1800s. However, this is the only one remaining now.

t was initially built in 1865 and was located between Main and Grove at Sixth Street. Presently the Thomas Logan House can be found near the Idaho State Museum in Julia Davis Park. The interesting historical fact is that the owner, Mr. Thomas, was also serving Boise’s Mayor in the past, which makes this house even more historic.

Cyrus Jacobs House: 1864

If there is one house that is the oldest in the city but still in its original shape and condition, it is the Cyrus Jacobs House. This brick home was established and built in 1864 and was expanded afterward in 1878, but the exterior wasn’t much changed. Mr. Cyrus Jacob was also elected as Boise’s Mayor when his family was still living in the same house.

The Mayor then started using this property as the Basque Boarding House in the year 1910. However, one renter purchased the property in the 1920s, but it was still used as a boarding house until the 1960s. This historic property is proudly part of the Cultural Center and the Basque Museum now and can be visited at 607 Grove St.

Assay Office: 1871

If you are a local, you might have driven past the Assay Office on Main Street countless times, not really knowing what exactly it is. This city contains an enriched mining history, and the Assay Office is a fundamental part of that history. This historic building was constructed in 1871, and the miners used it to bring gold, where they would further separate it from rock and send it for quality testing.

As per the plaque on the Assay office, this building has passed gold and silver, totaling $75,000,000 through its entrance. After the jewel rush, however, this building served for the Forest Service and even as the State Historic Preservation Office, because of which it is a historical landmark.

Perrault Building: 1879

The Perrault building is a landmark and historic building that is located at the corner of 7th Street and then, presently, the Main and Capital. This historic building is proudly named after its builder Joseph Perrault, who constructed it in 1879. The Perrault building has been a feed store, hardware store, lodging store, and Fritchman Art Gallery for a long time.

It has been home to many stores and brands, and it also homed an Asian Restaurant named House of Louie and a clothing brand named Nanci’s, when it was nominated for the historic register in the 1970s.

Bown House: 1879

The Bown House was surely a famous field trip location if you were schooling your fourth grade in Boise. It was built in 1879 and was a part of the 240 ranches Temperance Bown and Joseph homesteaded.

Temperance carried out a schooling system in the same house for some time when the Pioneer school got damaged due to a fire. It is presently located at Riverside’s Campus and is run by Boise’s Assistance League. While field trips are a norm, this place also offers free tours every first Saturday of the month from 1-4 pm for the public.

Conclusion

This extensive list of the historic buildings of Boise will not only give a sneak peek of the heritage art of the city but will also help you understand a lot about the rich history of the locality as well. Whether a local or a visitor, one must visit and see all the places mentioned above to have a slice of architectural art and the city’s heritage.