Highway to History Podcast

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23: Almost Heaven: Bo Gritz and his North Idaho Covenant Community Jul 19, 2023

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James "Bo" Gritz was a hero to many. He was the most decorated soldier in the Vietnam War and helped negotiate an end to the standoff at Ruby Ridge. Gritz was also rumored to be the inspiration for John Rambo, of the First Blood movies. However, he was also a leader of the Christian Identity movement, an anti-Semitic, right-wing philosophy. Because he was afraid that someday Jewish people would use the United Nations to kick off the New World Order, he built a survivalist community near Kamiah, Idaho.

22: Advertisements for Democracy: German and Italian POW Camps in Idaho - 1943-1946 Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

During World War Two, Idaho was home to around 21 prisoner of war camps for German and Italian soldiers captured in Europe and North Africa. They came here to help the war effort by providing farm labor, but many came to love America for the humanity shown them as prisoners. The United States has never been perfect, but even while our government imprisoned its own citizens, it also did all it could to live up to the Geneva Conventions of 1929 while imprisoning German and Italian soldiers, a task our Axis Power foes and our Soviet allies hardly bothered with.

21: The Great Nampa Fire Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

On July 3rd, 1909, a Mysterious Stranger sparked a fire that would go on to destroy Nampa's business district. The perpetrator was never brought to justice, but Nampa was rebuilt. We talk about that as well as the even more tragic Drake Drug Store Fire of 1937. For photos referenced in this episode be sure to check out idahistory.com/nampafireworks

20: Idaho Folklore: The Legend of Chief Bigfoot Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

In the 1860s, it was common to find large footprints at the scene of a wagon train massacre, or livestock theft in Idaho. Soon, settlers realized that it was one man leaving these footprints, and dubbed that man "Chief Bigfoot". Since then, the Chief has become a legend. In this episode we deconstruct that legend and analyze the folklore behind it.

19: How to Defeat Hate Groups: Idaho Against the Aryan Nations Part 2 Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

This week we finish off our discussion of the Aryan Nations in Idaho. When they felt the pressure, they turned to fear and intimidation by unleashing a domestic terrorism campaign. But the good people of the Kootenai County Task Force would not let a few bombs deter them from ridding North Idaho of hate.

18: How to Defeat Hate Groups: Idaho Against the Aryan Nations Part 1 May 31, 2023

Show notes

We were told we shouldn't talk about it. The Aryan Nations, Idaho's black eye. But we're here to talk about it and help ensure it never happens again. In this two part installment of the IdaHistory Podcast, Jeff and Mark examine the twisted ideology behind one of America's most insidious white supremacist hate groups, the Aryan Nations.

17: Dress His Wounds Before He Dies - The Execution of Herman St. Clair May 24, 2023

Show notes

Van Wyck, Idaho. What used to be a humble little berg, now lies at the bottom of Lake Cascade. It was also once the scene of a horrific murder, which led to the death by hanging of the perpetrator, a man named Herman St. Clair. Before he climbed the gallows, he attempted to escape the Idaho City jail and was shot in the jaw and stabbed 17 times. Learn more about the crime he was accused of, and how he met his end on this episode of IdaHistory.

16: Life and Death Along the Boise River 1811-1862 May 17, 2023

Show notes

For thousands of years, people have been living and dying in the Boise River Valley, and for a period of about 50 years, as two cultures clashed, the death intensified. Find out what happened as these two distinct groups came together, much of it has been little discussed in the recent era.

15: Nightmare in the Bitteroots: The Magruder Murders May 10, 2023

Show notes

During the Autumn of 1863, Idaho was a lawless place, but Lloyd Magruder was determined to change that by helping to create the laws to govern the new territory. Before he could though he took a trip to the mining camps of Western Montana, where he exchanged his goods for gold dust. On his way back, a group of men accompanied him with the intention of causing harm to Lloyd and stealing his gold. Magruder got the axe, the bad guys got the noose. This is the story that can be called the first true crime story in Idaho's history.

14: BONUS- Drunken Idaho Trivia May 03, 2023

Show notes

This week we are feeling a little goofy, so we thought we would grab a few drinks and see how much we really know about Idaho. Play along at home, but definitely not if you are planning on driving. Also, take nothing of what we say on this episode seriously.

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