The prospect of gold drew thousands of Chinese immigrants to Idaho Territory. In 1870 Idaho’s Chinese population exceeded that in California, and Chinese Americans made up more that 45% of the total population in Idaho City. Few were more successful than the Chinese immigrant Pon Yam, renowned for owning the largest diamond ring in the Boise Basin and referred to as the “King Merchant.” Historical records show that Pon Yam most likely leased the building at Montgomery and Commercial from the Wong Chong Company around 1874 and operated it for 20 years. Local Chinese residents depended on the store for Chinese foods, including delicacies such as bean curd, cuttlefish, dried oysters, bamboo shoots and dry duck. They also could buy Chinese books, clothing, herbal medicines, gambling equipment, firecrackers and religious articles at the store.
Exterior of the Pon Yam House in Idaho City, Idaho.
The prospect of gold drew thousands of Chinese immigrants to Idaho Territory. In 1870 Idaho’s Chinese population exceeded that in California. The Idaho State Museum formerly known as the Idaho State Historical Museum), founded in 1907, is Idaho’s largest and most visited museum, evolving from a simple collection of curios and relics sitting on shelves to the first museum in Idaho to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. The museum tells the story of Idaho from pre-contact times through the fur trade, the gold rush, and pioneer settlement to the present. Richly detailed interiors show how Idahoans in the late 19th and 20th centuries lived and conducted business. Exhibitions about the state’s Native American, Chinese American, and Basque populations are also presented.
Exhibitions at the Idaho State Museum concentrate on Idaho and regional history. A small display features information on and artifacts from a historic “Joss House” in Idaho.
Idaho State Historical Museum, 610 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, ID 83702
Hours
Monday-Saturday | 10 am-5 pm
Sunday | 12 pm-5 pm
Holiday Hours
Open 12 pm-5 pm
Memorial Day, Labor Day, President’s Day, Veteran’s Day, and Easter
Closed
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
The closest airport is Boise Airport. The distance from the airport to the museum is approximately 3.5 miles.
Information for planning purposes only. Contact the site for up-to-date access information. When visiting, please practice Leave No Trace.