Finian Ayliffe, Wood River Museum of History & Culture Intern
From the onset of 90-degree weather, to the influx of tourists following the Fourth of July, it’s clear that summer has come to the Wood River Valley in full force. This time, like many times of year in the valley, is dominated by the unrelenting economic force of tourism. Looking back at this photograph, taken around the early 1940s at the Ketchum railway depot, it’s clear that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The transition of the valley from a small mining outpost to a booming resort town can be attributed entirely to this railway’s construction. Completed in 1884, the Union Pacific Railroad initially built the Wood River branch to capitalize on the large quantities of ore being mined in the valley. During the first half of the 20th century, the railway shipped in sheep, shipped out galena ore, and brought the American populace to W. Averell Harriman’s all western “Sun Valley” resort for the first time.
For over 80 years, the railway was a symbol of tourism, progress, and seasonal boom in the valley. Today, however, only hints of its existence remain. In 1976, the last passenger train pulled into Ketchum, and in 1987 the tracks were removed. The space they occupied is taken now by the bike path running up the valley.
Though the original catalyst for Sun Valley’s success has long vanished, our valley is flourishing more than ever. Something about seeing that summer rush throughout the ages makes me think that our town’s spirit and character have not yet fled us. That even with a new coat of paint, we still have that old school Sun Valley charm.
Note this story was originally published in July of 2024 in the Idaho Mountain Express.
