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What was Main Street in Idaho Falls like around 1890?
Main Street was primarily lined with wooden structures, reflecting the typical architecture of small American towns in the late 19th century.
The newly established city of Idaho Falls was gaining prominence due to its strategic location along the Snake River, which facilitated trade and attracted settlers to the area.
Photographic evidence shows a diverse mix of shops and establishments on Main Street, including saloons, general stores, and other service-oriented businesses.
Residents of Idaho Falls were engaged in a variety of economic activities, including agriculture and trade, contributing to the community's growth and development.
City planning and infrastructure improvements began to take shape in the late 1880s, leading to the formal incorporation of Idaho Falls in 1891.
The incorporation of Idaho Falls solidified Main Street's importance as a commercial center and a gathering place for the growing population.
The community along Main Street was racially and ethnically diverse, reflecting the mix of settlers and immigrants drawn to the area.
Horses and horse-drawn carriages were the primary modes of transportation, with some early automobiles and electric streetcars beginning to appear in the 1890s.
The Snake River played a vital role in the town's economy, providing a source of hydroelectric power and enabling the transportation of goods and resources.
Main Street served as a hub for social and cultural activities, with events and gatherings taking place in the various businesses and public spaces.
The development of Idaho Falls' Main Street was influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1880s, which connected the town to larger regional markets.
Main Street's buildings were a mix of one- and two-story structures, with some featuring ornate architectural details and decorative elements.
The establishment of financial institutions, such as banks, on Main Street was an indication of the town's growing economic importance.
Civic institutions, such as the city hall and fire department, were also located on or near Main Street, reflecting its central role in the community.
Streetlights and other infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalks and paved roads, began to transform the appearance and functionality of Main Street in the late 1880s.
The growth and development of Main Street in Idaho Falls during this period mirrored the broader patterns of urban expansion and progress seen in many small towns across the American West.
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