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 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.
After the Dust Settled: Idaho Falls in the Post-Prohibition Era
Explore how Idaho Falls adapted after Prohibition ended in 1933, as bootleggers went legit, nightlife emerged, and a resilient city reshaped its identity in a new legal era.
Bootlegging Without Borders: Supply Chains and Cross-Border Dynamics in Prohibition-Era Idaho Falls
Long before national Prohibition, Idaho Falls became a strategic hub in a sprawling underground liquor network that stretched across Montana, Wyoming, and even Canada. Hidden compartments, river routes, coded signals, and trusted relay stations kept whiskey flowing despite relentless crackdowns. This wasn’t just bootlegging—it was a borderless supply chain built on ingenuity, risk, and rebellion.
Sid Larkins: A Gentleman Killer in the Shadows
Explore the dark and tragic story of Sid Larkins, a gambler and drifter whose obsession with Josie Hill ended in murder and became one of Idaho Falls’ most infamous 19th-century crimes.
Josie Hill – A Life at the Crossroads of Scandal and Sympathy
Uncover the tragic and complex story of Josie Hill, whose life of scandal, survival, and misfortune became intertwined with Idaho Falls’ early history and the transformation of Soiled Dove Island.
Maggie O’Shea – The Unseen Hand of Idaho Falls’ Working Class
Discover the untold story of Maggie O’Shea, a working-class heroine whose tireless efforts as a laundress, midwife, and community advocate quietly shaped early Idaho Falls.