Pocatello

Pocatello is the county seat of Bannock County in southeastern Idaho, extending along the Portneuf River at an elevation of 1360 meters (4462 feet). The town sits surrounded by mountain ranges in the Snake River Plain, a broad valley crossed by Interstate 15 and Interstate 86.

The settlement emerged in 1889 as a railroad junction after the Oregon Short Line Railroad chose this crossing as an operations center. Earlier, Fort Hall served as a trading post from 1834, supplying travelers on the Oregon Trail before the rail lines reached the valley.

The city takes its name from Chief Pocatello, a Shoshone leader whose people once lived in this valley. Today, murals in the historic downtown and an annual festival celebrate the connection between the original inhabitants and the modern community.

Visitors exploring the town will find the center along Main Street and several neighborhoods spreading between the river and hillsides. Trails in the nearby mountains offer summer views over the valley and winter access to snowy landscapes.

The old downtown shows a special trait: many red brick buildings dating from the railroad era that now house shops or offices. Some of these structures still carry faded advertising signs on their exterior walls promoting products from the early 20th century.

Location: Bannock County

Location: Power County

Inception: 1889

Elevation above the sea: 1,360 m

Shares border with: Chubbuck, Fort Hall Reservation

Website: http://pocatello.us

GPS coordinates: 42.86222,-112.45056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:03