Nestled along the banks of the Snake River, Idaho Falls is a city known today for its vibrant community, scenic beauty, and cultural landmarks. Yet, few are aware of the city’s shadowy past, when it was home to a red-light district known as “Soiled Dove Island.”
The Origin of Soiled Dove Island
In the late 19th century, Idaho Falls was a burgeoning frontier town driven by agriculture, mining, railroads, and trade. During this period, a small island in the Snake River became a hub for brothels and saloons, attracting gamblers, miners, and other transients passing through the region. This area, colloquially referred to as “Soiled Dove Island,” earned its name from the euphemism “soiled dove,” a term used to describe women who worked in the sex trade.
The phrase “soiled dove” was commonly used across the American West in the 19th century to refer to women in prostitution, reflecting society’s moral ambivalence toward these figures. Though not documented specifically in Idaho Falls history until the establishment of the island’s notoriety in the late 1800s, the term’s usage was widespread in frontier towns of that era.
Life on the Island
The island’s establishments were a mix of makeshift wooden structures and tents, housing a community often viewed as both scandalous and essential to the economy of the frontier. The women who lived and worked there faced a life of hardship, often marginalized by society but providing services that many considered an unspoken part of frontier life. The island also became a hotspot for crime, with disputes frequently settled with fists or firearms.
The Decline of Soiled Dove Island
As Idaho Falls grew, efforts to “clean up” the city gained momentum. Religious and civic leaders pushed for reform, leading to increased law enforcement and the eventual dismantling of the red-light district. By the early 20th century, Soiled Dove Island had faded into history, leaving little trace of its existence aside from stories passed down through generations.
Remembering the Past
Today, the island no longer exists in its original form, having been reshaped by urban development and changes to the river’s flow. However, the tale of Soiled Dove Island remains a fascinating chapter in Idaho Falls’ history, offering insight into the complexities of life on the American frontier.
Soiled Dove Island serves as a reminder of the challenges and contradictions of early Idaho Falls, reflecting a time when the city was still carving out its identity amid the rugged landscape of the West.
Source: Carr, Steve. “Early Crossings.” Idaho Magazine, www.idahomagazine.com/article/early-crossings-idaho/.