Washington County

Washington County was formed from a portion of Ada County some years ago. It is one hundred by one hundred and fifty miles and contains about twelve hundred inhabitants. It contains a vast area of good agricultural land, as well as land for stock- raising purposes.

We refer now more in particularly to the sage-brush lands in the Payette and Weiser bottoms, plans are now on foot for irrigating them, especially below the Weiser.

Everybody conversant with the lands of Boise City and vicinity knows that they were originally sage brush and when irrigated they will produce everything which is raised in Boise Valley in as great of quantities, if not greater when the railroad, which is now being constructed, runs through these lands, thus opening up a market for their surplus products, they will be worth ten, twenty, forty and sixty dollars an acre.

Weiser City, the county-seat of Washington County, is a new town on the north bank of the Weiser River, a few miles from its junction with Snake River, It is a thrifty town, and is undoubtedly destined to he a place of considerable importance. Our townsmen, Bamberger & Frank, have purchased land and lumber, intending to (start a branch store there in the immediate future. The county is about free from debt, and taxes are light. There is not an “Indian or Chinaman” in the county.

The climate is mild and healthful. “Those who settle there and grow up with the country, will do well, so far, at least, as finances are concerned, The county is represented in the Legislature, at present, by M. Jeffreys, a live, energetic practical man, who is well acquainted with the wants of the county, and will faithfully represent his constituents.

From Idaho Statesman – January 15, 1881