Twin Falls history

The history of Twin Falls began relatively recently, in the early 20th century. The city was officially founded in 1904 as part of an ambitious project to develop the arid lands of Idaho. The ideological inspirer and "father" of the city is considered to be I.B. Perrine, a successful farmer and visionary who saw immense potential in the desert terrain of the Snake River Canyon.

The transformation of the desert into a thriving settlement was made possible through a combination of unique geography and bold engineering thought:

• Irrigation: A decisive factor was the construction of the Milner Dam on the Snake River. This allowed water to be directed into a system of canals, irrigating thousands of acres of land.
• The Carey Act: The region's development was stimulated by the federal "Carey Act" of 1894, which encouraged private investment in the creation of irrigation systems in the American West.
• Geography: The location on the edge of the deep Snake River Canyon provided not only access to water resources but also created prerequisites for future hydropower.

From the very beginning, Twin Falls developed as a center of agriculture. Thanks to successful irrigation, the region earned the name "Magic Valley," as the barren steppe turned into a fertile oasis almost before one's eyes. Local farmers began actively growing potatoes, sugar beets, and beans. The economy of the early city was built on the processing and transportation of agricultural products, while cultural life formed around a community of hardworking pioneers.

Major Development Milestones

• 1903 — Start of construction on the Milner Dam on the Snake River, which became the key to irrigating the region's arid lands.
• 1904 — Official founding of the city of Twin Falls and the start of land plot sales to the first settlers.
• 1905 — Completion of the dam and the release of water into irrigation canals, marking the birth of the "Magic Valley."
• 1907 — The Idaho State Legislature approved the creation of a separate Twin Falls County.
• 1927 — Opening of the first bridge across the Snake River Canyon, connecting the cities of Twin Falls and Jerome.
• 1964 — Founding of the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), which became an important educational and cultural center.
• 1974 — Famous stuntman Evel Knievel attempted to jump across the Snake River Canyon on a steam-powered Skycycle X-2 rocket.
• 1976 — Commissioning of the modern I.B. Perrine Bridge, which is today the city's signature landmark.
• 2012 — Chobani opened the world's largest Greek yogurt manufacturing plant in the city, significantly strengthening the local economy.
• 2017 — Completion of a large-scale reconstruction of the historic center and Main Avenue, transforming the city's appearance.

Evolution of Image: From Agro-Center to Adventure Capital

While the historical foundation of Twin Falls was laid by irrigation projects, its modern identity is formed around a unique combination of extreme sports, nature tourism, and a renewed urban environment. Today, the city is perceived not just as an agricultural center, but as a dynamically developing hub of Southern Idaho.

Key aspects defining the city's modern atmosphere:

• World Capital of BASE Jumping: Twin Falls has acquired cult status in the extreme sports community thanks to the unique legal status of the Perrine Bridge. It is one of the rare places in the world where parachute jumps from a bridge are permitted year-round without special permits. This has turned the city into a training base for athletes from around the globe and an attraction point for spectators wishing to see flights over the canyon.
• "Niagara of the West" Tourism Brand: Shoshone Falls has grown beyond the status of simply a beautiful location to become the foundation of the region's marketing strategy. The development of infrastructure for observation decks and park zones around the waterfalls has allowed the city to attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, shifting the economic emphasis from production to the hospitality sector.
• Cultural Renaissance of the Center: The historic district of the city has transformed from a purely business quarter into a space for leisure. The appearance of the Downtown Commons plaza, artisanal dining venues, art galleries, and independent restaurants has created a lively atmosphere where music festivals (such as Western Days) and farmers' markets are regularly held, bringing local residents together.
• Regional Leadership: Thanks to population growth and the development of the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), Twin Falls has secured its role as the main commercial, medical, and educational center for the entire "Magic Valley" region. This has brought the rhythm of modern life to the city while preserving the comfort and safety of a small community.

Urban Development and Planning

The architectural appearance of Twin Falls is unique in that the city did not grow chaotically from an old settlement but was designed "from scratch" in the early 20th century. The city plan was developed taking into account the ideas of the "City Beautiful" movement, popular in the USA at that time. This is reflected in the wide avenues, the presence of a central city park, and a clear grid of streets.

A feature of the layout is the orientation towards the natural landscape and functionality. The historic city center is focused around Main Avenue, where dense commercial buildings from the beginning of the last century have been preserved, while residential areas radiated from the center, following the principles of low-rise American suburbia.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Since Twin Falls is a young city (founded in 1904), medieval styles are absent here. The architectural chronicle of the city covers the period from the early 20th century to the present day.

• Neoclassicism and Beaux-Arts (1900–1930s): The period of the city's formation and demonstration of civic pride. The style is characterized by monumentality, symmetry, and the use of columns and decorative elements borrowed from antiquity. It is used primarily for administrative and public buildings.
• Early 20th Century Commercial Style: The dominant style of the historic center. These are practical yet aesthetic brick buildings with large display windows on the ground floors and decorative cornices. They reflect the era of the agrarian boom and economic prosperity of the "Magic Valley."
• Modernism and International Style (1950–1980s): In the post-war years, the city expanded, and new structures (schools, offices, bridges) acquired features of functionalism: simple geometric forms, lack of decoration, and the use of concrete and glass.
• Modern Industrial Architecture (since the 2000s): The development of the food industry brought modern high-tech complexes to the city landscape, combining utility with contemporary design.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

• Twin Falls County Courthouse: The brightest example of the Neoclassical (Beaux-Arts) style. Built in 1910, this monumental building embodies stability and legality, serving as the architectural dominant of the center.
• Orpheum Theatre: Built in 1921, the theater represents an example of the entertainment architecture of the "Roaring Twenties." Its facade and interiors preserve the spirit of that era.
• Historic Warehouse District: Blocks south of the center where industrial buildings made of brick and stone have been preserved. Today, this district is undergoing revitalization, turning into a fashionable space with lofts and trendy cafes.
• I.B. Perrine Bridge: Although this is an engineering structure (opened in 1976), it is a key element of the urban landscape. Its strict steel arch construction is a magnificent example of functional modernism, harmoniously integrated into the grand natural canyon.

Historical Figures and Celebrities

Twin Falls is linked to the destinies of people who have left a noticeable mark on the history, science, and culture of the USA. From the founders who conquered the desert to Hollywood stars and participants in political intrigues of a national scale — here is a list of the region's most famous personalities.

• Ira Burton Perrine (I.B. Perrine)
  City Founder, Visionary
  A key figure in the region's history. It was his idea to build a dam on the Snake River and create an irrigation system that turned the arid desert into the fertile "Magic Valley." The city's main bridge and one of the central streets are named after him.
• William Mark Felt (W. Mark Felt)
  FBI Associate Director, Historical Figure
  A native of Twin Falls who entered world history under the pseudonym "Deep Throat." He was the secret informant for The Washington Post journalists during the Watergate scandal, which eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
• Evel Knievel
  Legendary Stuntman
  Although he was not born here, his name is inextricably linked to the city. In 1974, Knievel attempted to jump across the Snake River Canyon on a steam-powered Skycycle X-2 rocket. This event attracted worldwide attention to Twin Falls, and a commemorative marker at the jump site remains a popular attraction.
• Christina Hendricks
  Film and Television Actress
  Star of the cult series "Mad Men" and an Emmy Award nominee. Hendricks spent her school years in Twin Falls, where she began acting in the local theater before conquering Hollywood.
• Gary L. Bennett
  Physicist, NASA Engineer
  A distinguished specialist in the field of aerospace nuclear power. Born in Twin Falls. He made a significant contribution to powering the Voyager, Galileo, and Ulysses space missions, which expanded the boundaries of human knowledge about space.
• Dorothy Custer
  Comedian, TV Presenter, Centenarian
  A local legend and symbol of unfading optimism. She became famous for her appearances on national television (The Jay Leno Show) at the age of over 100. In honor of her 102nd birthday, she performed a tandem jump from the Perrine Bridge, becoming the oldest BASE jumper in the world.