meridian

Welcome To Meridian

Meridian
Another of Southwest Idaho’s rapidly growing communities, Meridian is located just 10 miles west of Boise, immediately accessible from Interstate 84. The city’s 2014 estimated population was 75,092.

Meridian History
Like many Idaho towns, Meridian owes its existence to the development of an irrigation system. Its earliest settlers lived along Five Mile Creek, where water was available most of the year. The first school opened in 1885, and a post office opened along the rail line from Boise to Nampa soon after. It was named Hunter. When the Settlers Ditch brought irrigation water in 1892, the population grew. In 1893, an Order of Odd Fellows Lodge was established and chose the name Meridian, because the surveyor’s meridian passes through the town. Lodge members surveyed the town site and named it Meridian after the lodge.

Industry
Farmers planted large fruit orchards, establishing an industry that thrived through the 1940s. The first creamery was built in 1897 and when other dairying related businesses followed, the town became known as a dairy center for the state.

Meridian still celebrates its roots in the dairy industry, with Meridian Dairy Days, held each June. Other fun festivities include the Chili Cook-off in January and the Scarecrow Festival in October.

Meridian Activities
Meridian is home to the Meridian Speedway, with stock car racing from April through September. The Idaho Peace Officers Memorial is located on the grounds of the Idaho State Law Enforcement Headquarters. Pine Street School, a restored one-room schoolhouse museum that won the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation, will appeal to history buffs. Families will enjoy Roaring Springs Water Park and the Boondocks Fun Center.

Downtown
Meridian’s downtown retains the flavor of its agricultural roots, but is bustling with new small businesses. Meridian has the largest school district in the state, Meridian School District No. 2. It is the largest employer in the city. Blue Cross of Idaho, St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center and Albertson’s are other large employers.

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