Editor’s Note: This article was written by early Pocatello settler Ira W. Davis, a Civil War veteran who worked for the railroad and as a school janitor. The article first appeared in the Pocatello Tribune on June 20, 1896. It was edited and adapted for use here by retired Idaho State University history professor Jo Ann Ruckman.
The first improvements made upon what is now the Pocatello townsite were by the Utah Northern railway company in 1879, when it built its rail line across it.
The original bed crossed a little north of the east side school house. The Oregon Short Line crossed the townsite in the spring and summer of 1882, at which time the Utah Northern was consolidated with the Oregon Short Line (in the interest of the Union Pacific system) and abandoned the old road bed near the school and came directly into town.
In May of the same year Charles Nopper and William Barnhart opened the first eating house. Soon after Keeney and Hansen opened another house to supply the wants physical, and Charles Nopper became its manager.
A telegraph office was soon established by wires being strung into a car for receiving and transmitting railroad business. Joe Edson was chief dispatcher and his wife, who came with him, was the first white woman who became a resident of Pocatello.
In the fall of 1882, a freight depot was built and soon afterwards Kiesel of Ogden put up a small wholesale house to supply, in part, the trade of this section.
In 1881, the Union Pacific hotel was built and the company also established a water works and put in a power department.
Six company houses were also built for its employees. Through the Indian agent, Dr. Cook, a trading post was established here.
William Wosley was a member of the firm and the first postmaster of Pocatello. The old round house and two coal bins were built in 1883, and the UP store department was established.
On Nov. 19, 1884, I arrived from Boise City. The next day a grand celebration was given by the citizens in honor of the first anti-Mormon victory in Bannock County. The main feature of the celebration was a barbecue, a large ox being roasted. Charley Nopper also contributed his pet bear, and the two animals made a great feast for the Indians.
