Bingham County is located in the southeastern corner of Idaho, and is bordered to the north by Bonneville County, to the east by Caribou County, to the south by Bear Lake County in Utah, and to the west by Jefferson County. Bingham County covers an area of 1,871 square miles and has a population of 45,607 (as of 2020). The Snake River runs through Bingham County in a north-south direction. The county has a large number of agricultural fields that produce grains such as wheat, barley and corn. It also has many dairy farms which produce milk for sale. Other industries in Bingham County include tourism, manufacturing and retail. The county seat is Blackfoot which is also its largest city with a population of 11,899 (as of 2020). Other cities within Bingham County include Shelley (population 2,458) and Firth (population 1,719). There are two national protected areas within Bingham County – Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve and Bruneau Dunes State Park. Both locations offer visitors beautiful views with unique geological formations. There are also several recreational activities such as camping, fishing and hiking available in these areas.
Country seat and other main cities of Bingham County, Idaho
The county seat of Bingham County is Blackfoot, Idaho, which is also the largest city in the county with a population of 11,899 as of 2020. Blackfoot is located along the Snake River Valley and has a rich history dating back to Native American tribes. It has a variety of attractions including the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds, Museum of Idaho and Snake River Stampede Rodeo.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, other main cities within Bingham County include Shelley and Firth. Shelley is located just south of Blackfoot and has a population of 2,458 (as of 2020). It is known for its agricultural production and small-town charm. There are several local attractions including the Snake River Greenbelt Park, Pioneer Cemetery Park and Old Iona Cemetery Park.
Firth is located in the western part of Bingham County with a population of 1,719 (as of 2020). It was originally founded by Mormon settlers in 1875 and has since grown to become one of the most popular places to live in the area. Firth boasts numerous outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, fishing and hiking as well as a number of historical sites such as Fort Hall Replica Museum and Firth Historic District.
Overall, Bingham County offers visitors an array of activities from outdoor recreation to historical sites. With its diverse geography ranging from lush agricultural fields to rolling hillsides, there are plenty of options for those looking for an escape from everyday life or simply looking for something new to explore.
History of Bingham County, Idaho
Bingham County, Idaho is located in the southeast corner of the state. It was established in 1885 and named after Henry H. Bingham, a Civil War veteran who served as a U.S. senator from Pennsylvania. The county covers an area of 2,523 square miles and has a population of 44,836 as of 2020.
Prior to European settlement, Bingham County was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shoshone-Bannock and Northern Paiute. These tribes had lived in the region for centuries before white settlers began to arrive in the 19th century. The first permanent settlement was established at Fort Hall in 1834 by Nathaniel Wyeth and his party of traders from Fort Vancouver.
In 1877, Mormon settlers began to arrive in what is now Bingham County and soon established several towns such as Blackfoot, Firth and Shelley. The region became known for its agricultural production with crops such as potatoes becoming one of the main sources of income for many families living there. In addition to agriculture, mining also played an important role in the county’s economy with several gold mines being discovered during this period.
The 20th century saw Bingham County become increasingly urbanized with Blackfoot becoming the largest city in the county with a population of 11,899 (as of 2020). In recent years, tourism has also become a major industry within Bingham County due to its numerous attractions including Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve and Bruneau Dunes State Park which offer visitors beautiful views with unique geological formations along with recreational activities such as camping, fishing and hiking available nearby.
Economy of Bingham County, Idaho
Bingham County, Idaho is located in the southeast corner of the state and has a population of 44,836 as of 2020. Historically, the economy of Bingham County has been heavily dependent on agriculture and mining. Potatoes have been one of the main crops grown in the county since the 19th century and mining has also played an important role in its economy with several gold mines being discovered during this period.
In recent years, however, tourism has become a major industry within Bingham County due to its numerous attractions including Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve and Bruneau Dunes State Park which offer visitors beautiful views with unique geological formations along with recreational activities such as camping, fishing and hiking available nearby. In addition to tourism, manufacturing is also an important sector of Bingham County’s economy with companies such as Simplot producing potato chips and snack foods in Blackfoot.
The service sector is another key component of Bingham County’s economy with healthcare services provided by Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) located in Blackfoot while other services such as retail trade are provided by local businesses throughout the county. Education is another major contributor to Bingham County’s economy with Idaho State University having a campus located in Blackfoot which employs many people from the area while providing educational opportunities for students from all over Idaho.
Overall, Bingham County has experienced steady economic growth over recent years due to its diverse range of industries and attractions which have helped attract both businesses and tourists alike to the area. With its picturesque scenery along with a variety of activities available for visitors to enjoy, it is no wonder that Bingham County continues to be an attractive destination for both locals and visitors alike.