Polly Bemis House

The Polly Bemis House is a log cabin with shingle roofing built in the 1920s on the banks of the Salmon River. The structure sits in a remote canyon where the river dominates the landscape and dense forest surrounds the area.

The current building was constructed in 1923, a year after the original structure was destroyed by fire. Polly Bemis and her husband Charles lived there, leaving behind a remarkable story of pioneer life in Idaho's early Chinese-American history.

The house tells the story of Polly Bemis, a Chinese-American pioneer who built a life in Idaho's remote countryside, reflecting the immigration and settlement experiences of Chinese people during the 1800s. Visitors can understand how a woman from a marginalized community established herself in this isolated area.

Access to the house is only by boat on the Salmon River, as there are no road connections. Visitors should plan for a full day trip and consider water conditions and seasonal flow before visiting.

Polly Bemis was originally an enslaved woman who later became one of Idaho's most notable Chinese-American pioneers. Her journey reveals an unusual path to freedom and independence during an era when such opportunities were extremely rare for women of her background.

Location: Idaho

GPS coordinates: 45.43310,-115.67000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05