Hailey, County seat in Wood River Valley, Idaho.
Hailey is a county seat in the Wood River Valley of Idaho, sitting at 1,621 meters elevation within the Sawtooth National Forest. Mountains surround the town on all sides, making it a gateway to nearby wilderness areas.
The town was founded in 1881 during the mining boom in the mountains of central Idaho. From 1882 to 1895, it served as the administrative center of former Alturas County before boundaries were redrawn.
The name honors John Hailey, a congressional delegate from pioneer times whose legacy lives on in the community. Every Independence Day, residents gather for parades and rodeos that recall western traditions.
Friedman Memorial Airport offers connections to Salt Lake City and Seattle with regular flights year-round. Strict building codes shape the appearance of the town and keep development in line with the surroundings.
Strict development guidelines protect the character of the town and limit the height of new buildings. This keeps the skyline low and allows it to blend into the mountain landscape without blocking views.
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