underground
We’re dedicated to bringing the rich, untold history of Idaho Falls to life – the fascinating, gritty tales of a bygone era that are often overlooked.
We invite you to dive into the local lore and legends that shaped our city’s character – from daring bootleggers of Prohibition to the lives of those who walked on the fringes of society. This is where history meets storytelling.
Join us as we explore the vibrant undercurrents of Idaho Falls’ past, one story at a time.
The Man Who Taught the World How to Mix a Drink | William “Cocktail Bill” Boothby
Long before celebrity bartenders, William “Cocktail Bill” Boothby helped define modern cocktail culture through his books, recipes, and legendary career behind the bar.
The Chinese Legacy in Idaho Falls: Labor, Resilience, and Hidden Histories
Explore the Chinese legacy in Idaho Falls, from railroad labor and local businesses to resilience through discrimination and the hidden histories that shaped the city.
The Fall of the Ring: How Prohibition Ended the Crossing’s Reign
Discover how the repeal of Prohibition brought an end to Taylor’s Crossing’s bootlegging empire, transforming Idaho Falls from a hub of smuggling and speakeasies into a new era of legal enterprise.
Rum-Running River: Snake River Smuggling Routes
Explore the Snake River’s secret role in Idaho Falls’ Prohibition-era bootlegging—hidden smuggling routes, daring river runners, and the clandestine trade that kept whiskey flowing.
The Blind Pigs of Idaho Falls: Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Bars
Step inside the hidden world of Idaho Falls’ blind pigs—secret speakeasies, whispered passwords, and underground bars that kept the city’s rebellious spirit alive during Prohibition.
The Enforcers and the Betrayers: Lawmen, Bribes & Raids
Dive into Idaho Falls’ Prohibition-era battle of lawmen, bootleggers, bribes, and midnight raids, where betrayal and corruption blurred the line between justice and crime.