According to fashionissupreme, Arco, Idaho is a small town nestled in the high desert of southeastern Idaho. It is located at the base of the Lost River Range and is surrounded by vast open sagebrush-covered plains. The town has a population of just over 1000 people and is known for its rugged beauty and wide variety of outdoor activities.
Arco was established in 1880 as a mining town. During this time, miners flocked to the area hoping to find gold and silver in the nearby hillsides. Although no major strikes were made, Arco grew rapidly with its population reaching over 2000 by 1900. In 1923, Idaho’s first nuclear power plant was built near Arco, making it the first city in the world to be powered entirely by atomic energy. This event put Arco on the map and helped to solidify its reputation as an innovative small town with big dreams.
Today, Arco is most well known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. The nearby Lost River Range offers ample opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting along with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape. In addition, Arco boasts some great rock climbing routes as well as several miles of cross-country ski trails during winter months.
The economy in Arco is primarily based on agriculture and tourism due to its location near several popular recreational areas such as Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and City of Rocks National Reserve just a few hours away from town. Other local businesses include several hotels/motels, restaurants/cafes/bars, gas stations/convenience stores, a theater/movie house and even an airport offering passenger flights to Boise several times per week during peak tourist season (May-September).
Arco also serves as an important gateway for travelers heading into central Idaho’s backcountry regions including Salmon River Country which begins just north of town along Highway 93 leading up into Montana’s Bitterroot Valley region all within a day’s drive from Arco’s downtown district.
Overall, Arco is a small but vibrant community that has much to offer both visitors looking for outdoor adventure or those seeking more laid back experiences such as simply taking in some local history or enjoying some delicious food at one of many local establishments throughout town . With stunning landscapes spanning across mountain ranges down into wide open valleys filled with wildlife , it’s easy to see why so many have found their way here over time making it one of Idaho’s hidden gems worth discovering.
History of Arco, Idaho
The history of Arco, Idaho dates back to the late 1800s, when the area was first homesteaded by settlers from the Midwest. In 1887, the town of Arco was officially founded and named after a nearby mountain peak. The first settlers in the area were primarily ranchers and farmers who came to take advantage of the fertile soil and plentiful water sources.
In 1903, a railroad line was built through Arco that connected it to nearby towns and cities. This allowed for easier transportation of goods and people throughout the region. It also helped spur economic growth in Arco as more businesses began popping up in town. The same year, a post office opened in Arco which further increased its population and importance as a trading center.
In 1905, electricity came to Arco which enabled more businesses to open up including stores and restaurants. That same year, the first school opened in town which allowed for educational opportunities for local children. As more people moved into the area, so did their religious beliefs with several churches being established between 1910-1920 including Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist and Methodist congregations.
By 1930s, Arco had grown significantly with its population reaching over 1,000 people due to an influx of immigrants from Europe as well as Mexican farm workers who came to work on local farms or mines. This made it one of Idaho’s largest towns at that time with several businesses operating in town such as general stores, hotels and even a movie theater called “The Strand” which opened in 1932.
In 1942 during World War II, Arco became known for having one of the world’s first nuclear reactors located at what is now known as “the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory” (INEL). This reactor was used to test atomic weapons during this time period until it was decommissioned in 1964 due to safety concerns regarding radiation exposure levels around town.
Today, Arco is still an important part of Idaho with its population estimated at just over 1,000 people living there today according to recent census data from 2020. It is located near Craters of The Moon National Monument & Preserve which brings tourists from all over the world into town each year as well as being home to many historical sites such as old mining operations that have been preserved since their heyday during early 20th century mining boom times in Idaho’s Snake River Valley region where Arco is located at.
