Fort Boise was built by Thomas McKay in the fall of 1834 to meet the challenge offered by Fort Hall. McKay had the backing and support of the Hudson's Bay Company for his venture.  By 1836, the latter obtained control of the new post and it remained a Hudson's Bay post until abandonment in 1854. The post was managed by Francois Payette between 1835 and 1844. ;It was mostly staffed by Hawaiian (Owyhee) employees and soon became known for the hospitality and supplies provided to travelers and emigrants. Boise River floods in 1853 and 1862 destroyed the adobe fort.

BLM Series #2

The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and currently lies within the boundaries of the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area.

Joel Palmer, September 2, 1845

"We reached Fort Boise. This is a trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company, established upon the northern side of Snake or Lewis River, and about one mile below the mouth of the Boise river. This fort was erected for the purpose of recruiting, or as an intermediate post, more than as a trading point. It is built of the same materials, and modeled after Fort Hall, but is of a smaller compass. Portions of the bottoms around it afford grazing; but in a general view, the surrounding country is barren... At this fort they have a quantity of flour in store, brought from Oregon City, for which they demanded twenty dollars per cut, in cash... At this place the road crosses the river, the ford is about four hundred yards below the fort, and strikes across to the head of an island, then bears to the left to the southern bank; the water is quite deep, but not rapid..."

ETSI, pg. 65

Reduced-scale Fort Boise replica, Parma, 1999

Theodore Talbot, 1843

"We came to the Fort which is situated on Snake River, immediately below the mouth of the Boisee. This Fort which is one of the smallest we have visited, is neatly constructed of Adobes and belongs to the Hud. Bay Company. Capt. Payette the gentleman in charge is a Frenchman and exceedingly polite, courteous and hospitable. He is a veteran in the service of the Hud. Bay Company. Has travelled much and undergone many hardships, in consideration of which his valuable services, he has been placed in charge of this post.

BLM Series #2, pg. 52

Reverend Edward Evans Parrish, 1844

"Cool this morning. The Indians are offering more fish than we want, as all are supplied. Started at seven o'clock and arrived at Fort Boisey about one o'clock. This fort is situated on the Lewis aor Snake River about three hundred miles from Fort Hall. We are three weeks on the road from Fort Hall to Fort Boisey. The fort was named for the small, but very beautiful, river which we came down, having traveled about four days along its banks."

BLM Series #2, pg. 53

Snake River at approximate site of historic fur-trade Fort Boise, 1999

Directions: West of I-84 off Hwy 20/26, near Parma

Must See: Fort Boise Replica in Parma

Current Observations/Journal Entry: "Fort Boise was a trading post operated by the Hudson's Bay Company. The Fort Boise in Boise City was a military post established in 1863, which today serves in part as a veterans' hospital and military reserve. The Parma area was settled by riverside farmers in 1863. The Fort Boise replica, which is a visitor center with limited hours, is about 5 miles from the actual site. The original site lies within the Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area and a lion's-head marker sits near the bank of the river to signify the trading post's existence. This Wildlife Management Area has sportsman access; it also has an abundance of insects, birds, and vegetation! There are cottonwood and Russian olive trees; there seems to be river cane or bamboo. It is hot and humid near the river; I notice how particularly slow the current appears. Those using the South Alternate had to cross the river to meet up with those using the Main Trail here. The Snake River is joined by the Boise and Owyhee rivers in this approximate area. The symbolism strikes me - this was a confluence of water and people."

Concrete marker at approximate site of Fort Boise, 1999