Quality of life in Boise

Boise is the capital and largest city of Idaho. Although its economic growth has its roots in agriculture, the city is now home to many high tech industries. Notable firms such as Albertson's, Micron, WinCo Foods and the J.R. Simplot Company are headquartered here.

Although the exact origin is disputed, the name "Boise" is thought to be derived from the French les bois, or "the trees." The name is a reference to the tree-lined Boise River, which passes through the heart of the city. To this day the city takes its "City of Trees" moniker very seriously, although before settlement there were actually very few trees in the area.

Boise began its life in the mid-1800s as Fort Boise, a U.S. Army installation located at a strategic junction on the Oregon Trail between what were then the major settlements in southern Idaho Territory, the mining camps of Silver City to the south and Idaho City to the northeast. A city grew quickly around the fort, and by 1865 became the capital of Idaho Territory (much to the chagrin of northern Idahoans, namely residents of the original capital of Lewiston). By the dawn of the 20th Century, Boise was far and away the dominant city in the region, having long eclipsed the likes of Silver City and Idaho City.