Fort Hall

Fort Hall sits along the Snake River and forms a historical complex with rebuilt structures including barracks, living spaces, and trade rooms. The site covers several acres (around one hectare) and also includes a blacksmith shop and storage buildings from the era of westward expansion.

Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth founded the post in 1834 as a trading station for furs and supplies. Hudson's Bay Company took over operations in 1837 after Wyeth lost the competition with the British firm.

The name honors Henry Hall, an American politician whose son joined Wyeth's expedition team. Today the site displays everyday objects from the trading period, including iron tools and leather goods that illustrate the exchange between different groups.

Guided tours explain the purpose of individual buildings and the role of the site on pioneer routes. Most areas are easily accessible in daylight, though some paths can become slippery after rain.

Around 270,000 emigrants reached the trading post during the westward movement, turning it into a hub for several routes. Many travelers exchanged exhausted draft animals for fresh ones here before continuing the final stretches of their journey.

Location: Bannock County

Website: http://forthall.net

GPS coordinates: 43.02020,-112.63500

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27