Boise’s Historic Idanha
Question: What is the history of the Idanha?
Answer: William Steward Campbell designed the Idanha Hotel, which opened January 1, 1901. It was the grandest hotel in the state of Idaho, and followed the French-chateau architectural style. It had a magnificent electric elevator, and many prominent people rented rooms at the hotel, including the main characters in the Big Bill Haywood Trial in 1907. They included: Clarence Darrow, defense attorney; James McParland, detective; Harry Orchard, hit-man for labor bosses; and co-prosecutor William Borah, future senator and presidential candidate.
When the hotel was constructed, the main entrance into the city was not through Capitol Boulevard, it was 9th Street due to the railroad. This poised the Idanha to greet and provide a place to stay for many visitors to the city. At one point all of the buildings at the intersection of 10th and Main had turrets similar to the Idanha. Today, the remaining turreted buildings at the intersection are the Idanha and the Gem Noble Building. The Idanha is now an apartment building, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Have a question about Boise’s history? Ask a Historian.
