Welcome to the "Center of the Universe" at the historical Wallace, Idaho

JHP_161012_Idaho_1032_3_4_HDRCity of Wallace, Idaho displaying autmnn colors; edited as HDR.

Wallace is a small town with less than 800 year-round residents that becomes a booming metro throughout the summer tourism season.  The historical town was started in the 1880's when gold and silver were discovered in the local Bitterroot Mountains along a trade route.   Today it is still known as a mining community and it has a rich history bound by this industry.  The entire city is designated on the National Historic Register.  Wallace's brick structures date from 1890's and many of the homes date from 1910 as over half the town had to be rebuilt after a catastrophic fire called the Big Burn.

JHP_161014_IDAHO_1115Center of the Universe Corner Sign in Wallace, Id

The mayor in 2004 declared that Wallace was in fact the Center of The Universe.  The logic to this statement is as follows "if something can’t be disproven, it must be true​".   As of yet nobody has disproven the statement.  The town, known for its festivals has now added another night of celebration to its list and tourists flock to the cross section of Sixth and Bank St where there is a manhole cover that marks the probabilistic Center.  The monument marks N.E.S and W. and the 4 large mines in each prospective direction that literally do go to, at least, the center of our earth!

JHP_161012_Idaho_1062Autmn City Streets and Local Businesses of Wallace, Idaho.

Bordellos and Booze: Until 1988 there were still redlights and an active bordello in town, one of which has been made into a museum (The Oasis) and many into other business ventures.   The women of the town continue to be a source of pride and cultural history.  Although there is not a long standing brewery in town, the Wallace Brewing Company pays homage to the time of old with its in-house brews.  The City Limits Pub, just at the edge of town, is iin an old warehouse over a creek and hosts a delicious supply of food and local fermented hops.

​ JHP_161014_IDAHO_1106Stairways and Views in the town of Wallace in autumn

​Public Stairs provide access to the south hill slope that towers over the downtown of Wallace.  The first mention of the stairs was in 1910 and many historical photos picture the stairs.  12 different sets of stairs containing almost 800 steps, wander up through the neighborhoods and connect the upper streets.  When in Wallace you are invited to climb the steps and walk the streets that shoot you back in time 100 years. 

JHP_161011_Idaho_1008Sunshine Silver Mine, Wallace Idaho

Mining operations founded many of the communities in the Silver Valley that follows the I-90, including Wallace and the town of Osburn where the Sunshine Mine is located. According to a sign board this mine is the largest silver mine in the nation with over 100 miles of tunnels going over a mile deep into the earth! It sustained the worst hardrock mining disaster in modern times on May 2nd of 1972.  On this day 91 miners lost their lives as carbon monoxide and fire swept through the tunnels. A memorial to them was erected not far from the mine.  Today this valley is one of the top 3 producers of silver in the world.

​ JHP_161015_IDAHO_1109Vegitation and nature along the Pulaski Tunnel Trail near Wallace, Idaho

There is a lot to do outside in this part of Idaho including Lookout Pass, Trail of Coeur d'Alene, Path of the Hiawatha Rail to Trails and Pulaski Tunnel.  Since the only hike I did in its entirety was the tunnel - it is the one I will talk about.   In 1910 a fire, coined the "Big Burn," blazed the hills and trapped a group of firefighters who were led to refuge in a mine shaft tunnel next to Placer Creek.  43 men were saved that day by quick thinking and the story is truly incredible.  The 2 mile trail is considered a moderate climb as it gains 800 feet in 2 miles.  It takes 2-4 hours to hike the trail round trip as there is a gambit of interpretive and historical markers along the way.  I think this is the best interpretive trail I have ever done and I highly recommend it.  

JHP_161014_IDAHO_1054The reminates of the factory in the town of Burke.

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​Taking highway 4 north of town 7 miles is a pleasant and simple drive to the old and mostly abandoned town of Burke.  In 1888 the Tiger Hotel was built in the very narrow Burke Canyon to support the ongoing mining operations.  The hotel spanned over Canyon Creek and due to the narrowness of the canyon it also spanned the railroad track where guests could be dropped off in the lobby.  Contrary to what some believe the hotel no longer stands and neither does the mill that sat next door.  From what I have gathered the buildings pictured above are part of Hecla-Star mine which was rebuilt in 1923. The buildings are very neat and an eerie haunt of a thriving community.  Up the canyon one can see a few remains and crumbling shops that made up the unique town.  While researching the  almost ghost town I came across two YouTube videos: one on the Tiger Hotel and one on the city itself - both are quiet interesting!

JHP_161015_IDAHO_1118-PanoWallace Idaho's Historic 9 mile Cemetary

In conclusion, Wallace is a great place to stop off for a meal and simply take a walk amongst the history of the quaint city streets.  If you have a little more time stop off at a museum and take a hike or dive out of town.  If you are lucky you will catch one of the many festivals the town holds annually. Please note I am not affiliated with any place or business in Wallace and the thoughts and information within my blog, including links are for your information.  

JHP_161015_IDAHO_1124Yard Display in Wallace, Idaho

To view the entire gallery of the Wallace area just click on any of the photos above to be taken to the gallery which is organized into the sections highlighted above.  Remember, If you do not see a photo you think I may have,, just ask - I would be happy to upload to my site! Your purchase of a photo will help to keep this site alive and full of information.