Basques in Idaho

The Basques are an indigenous group of people who originate from northwestern Spain and southwestern France. There are approximately 2.1 million people living in the Basque Autonomous Community in Europe. The migration of Basques to the United States dates back to the expedition of Christopher Columbus, but the majority of migration happened in the 1840s and 1850s. One of the largest populations of Basques outside of Basque Country can be found in Idaho. Boise is the home of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and hosts a Basque festival every five years.

Many Basques came to Idaho in the late 1800s and began working as sheepherders. Some also worked in mining and logging. Basque immigration to Idaho peaked between 1900 and 1920.

For more information on the Basque community in Idaho, visit the Basque Community of Boise website.

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