The city of Boise, capital of the…

The city of Boise, capital of the new State of Idaho drills the first geothermal well in 1890.

In the fall of 1890, three investors seek to drill for hot water in an area near the Territorial Penitentiary, east of the city, which has discharging warm springs.

Drilling starts in December 1890 and by Christmas, the wells have reached a temperature of 112 degrees F at 112 feet.

The geothermal water is pumped from its source in the foothills, and heats buildings and water.

The Boise Water Works Company pioneers the municipal-scale use of geothermal water.