City of American Falls Power County, Idaho
Mapped Location
City of American Falls: The mapped location is an approximation and should not be used for navigation or wayfinding.
Information
General information on City of American Falls
- Feature Type: Incorporated
Official, historical, colloquial and alternative toponyms for City of American Falls
A brief list of names that this geographic feature has been named
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| City of American Falls | Official |
| American Falls | Official |
Origin Notes and History of City of American Falls
References to City of American Falls that document the origin of its place name
AMERICAN FALLS, Power County.—These falls derive their name from the circumstance of a number of trappers, members of some of the American fur companies, in going down the Snake River in canoes, not aware of their proximity to the falls, were hurried along by the violence of the current; and passing over the falls, but one of their number survived. This occurred in the late '20s. The Hunt-Astoria party (q.v.) were the first white men to see and visit these falls, which they did as they passed them in October, 1811, after losing a boat in trying to get over them.—PALMER, Journal of Travels; IRVING, Astoria.
POWER.—At American Falls the Snake River is one thousand feet wide and drops forty-two feet over a series of beautiful cascades, making it possible to develop several thousand horsepower. This county includes this power site, and from it derives its name. The county seat is American Falls (q. v.)
Last updated: 2017-01-11