Why is Boise, Idaho, called the "City of Trees," and how did it get its name?

Boise’s nickname, the "City of Trees," might surprise those who imagine Idaho as a vast expanse of rugged wilderness or rolling potato fields, but the moniker comes with a delightful backstory rooted in its early days. French-speaking fur trappers wandering through the arid landscape of what would become southern Idaho stumbled upon a lush, green riverside area that was a stark contrast to the dry plains they’d traversed. Overwhelmed with relief, they reportedly exclaimed, "Les bois! Les bois!"—meaning "the woods!" This exuberant outburst not only provided the city its name but also a hint of its verdant charm.

By the mid-19th century, Boise had established itself as a key waypoint for settlers heading westward along the Oregon Trail. Pioneer accounts from the 1860s noted its dense groves of cottonwood trees along the Boise River, which offered much-needed shade and respite to weary travelers. As the city grew, residents cultivated its tree-lined streets and maintained parks to ensure the greenery remained a defining feature. Today, Boise’s urban canopy is home to an annual Treefort Music Fest, drawing crowds as diverse as its leafy heritage. So, when you walk beneath its sprawling oaks or maples, you’re stepping into a living legacy of those French trappers who couldn’t contain their joy.