Lincoln County, Idaho

Lincoln County, Idaho is a small, rural county founded in 1895 with Shoshone as its county seat. Named for Abraham Lincoln; population recorded as 5,208 in the 2010 census. Overview of history, government, and economy.

Overview

Lincoln County is a county in the U.S. state of Idaho. It was established on March 18, 1895 and takes its name from President Abraham Lincoln. According to the 2010 census, 5,208 people lived in Lincoln County; that count is recorded in federal census publications and summaries (2010 census). The county seat and largest city is Shoshone, which serves as the center for local government and services (county seat, Shoshone).

Geography and communities

Lincoln County is one of Idaho's administrative divisions and is characterized by rural towns, agricultural land, and open spaces. The county appears on state maps and in regional descriptions of Idaho (Idaho, state reference). Communities in the county include small incorporated towns and unincorporated settlements, with local roads linking residents to neighboring counties and regional centers.

History and government

The county was created near the end of the 19th century and named to honor the 16th U.S. president. Its formal foundation is documented in territorial and state records (founding record). County government is organized around elected officials and a courthouse in the county seat; municipal governments in towns provide local services and planning.

Economy and land use

Lincoln County has a largely rural economy. Agriculture, ranching, and related services have traditionally been important to local livelihoods, supplemented by small businesses and public-sector employment. Recreational opportunities and natural landscapes contribute to quality of life and local tourism in the region.

Notable facts

Named for President Abraham Lincoln, reflecting national commemoration practices of the era.
Founded March 18, 1895; creation and legal boundaries are part of Idaho's late-19th-century county development (founding record).
Population counts and demographic details are recorded by federal census programs (2010 census) and summarized by county and state sources (county information, state).

For more localized information—maps, elected officials, and current services—consult county-level resources and state references (Lincoln County, Idaho, regional guide).