Uncovering History at the Boise Assay Office
BOISE, Idaho — An assay office is a facility where the quality and purity of precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum, are tested and certified. The process, called assaying, involves analyzing a sample of metal to determine its composition and value.
Authorized by the federal government in 1869, the Boise Assay Office was built in 1872 after an investment of $75,000. It played a crucial role in Idaho’s flourishing mining industry, serving as the final authority on the value of precious metals.
The Unearthing of History
During construction work near the Boise Assay Office, a discovery was made that shed light on the past. The building, which is considered one of the most historic and important in Idaho, is now revealing more about the region’s mining days.
Archaeologists unearthed a variety of artifacts, including discarded crucibles used for metal testing, score fires, military buttons dating back to the mid-1800s, and other remnants from the past. These findings offer insight into the materials and practices of the time period.
According to Chris Shaver, the Idaho State Historical Preservation Compliance Archaeologist, the discovered items provide a tangible connection to the past, helping to establish a more concrete understanding of the historical context in which they were used.
Ongoing Research and Collaboration
While the initial discoveries have been intriguing, the research is far from over. The State Historic Preservation Office and the Archaeological Survey of Idaho are collaborating with the University of Idaho to secure grants and involve students in further excavations of the site.
Understanding how challenging it was to transport items to Idaho during the 1870s adds another layer of significance to the artifacts found at the Boise Assay Office. With freight wagons as the primary mode of transport until the arrival of the railroad in 1883, materials from places like London and Paris made an arduous journey before being utilized and eventually discarded.
The ongoing archaeological work at the Boise Assay Office not only uncovers pieces of history but also serves as a reminder of the region’s rich mining heritage and the perseverance required to build Idaho’s economic foundations.
