Stepping into History Nestled in a narrow mountainous valley with a booming population, Wallace had little place to grow except onto the hillside. The steepness of the south hill prevent roads from being constructed in a standard city block pattern. Roads that would have normally accommodated vehicle traffic became stairways to facilitate foot traffic.
One of the earliest references to the building of stairways on the south hill was recorded in the July 12, 1909 Wallace city council minutes. Other references to the stairs were recorded in the minutes on April of 1910, October and November of 1912, and August and September of 1916. Stairs were also illustrated on early Sanborn Maps and are a subject of historic photographs in the Barnard-Stockbridge collection at the University of Idaho.
The stairs provided children a pathway to school and an adventure place to play. They built forts under the stairs and spied on the comings and goings of those using the steps. On winter days, children would slide down the snow-covered stairs. Many high school athletes use the stairs for conditioning.
For over a century the twelve stairways with nearly 800 steps have been used by residents and school children. Others who want to enjoy the views and preserve their vim, vigor and vitality have joined the residents of this historic



community in the use of the stairs.

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Show me all markers in:  Wallace, ID  |  Shoshone County  |  83873  |  Idaho  |  United States of America

Rossi Insurance Building
Wallace World War Memorial, a War Memorial
Wallace
"The Big Blowup"
"The Big Blowup"
Hercules Mill
The Great Fire of 1910
The Pulaski Tunnel Trail
Pulaski's Trail
"Big Ed" Pulaski

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