Here in Idaho, we don’t see a lot of action. The slow, stable pace of Idaho living is part of what makes this state such a great place to live. Idahoans treasure the quiet. It’s part of who we are. However, exciting things do happen in the Gem State from time to time. The small town featured here took a truly unique event, a bank robbery by one of the worlds most infamous criminals, and memorialized it as one of the towns main attractions.
Montpelier is a tiny town of only 2500 residents located in the very southeastern corner of the state. It is the quintessential example of small town living. Life here is slow and peaceful, and that’s how the residents like it.
The town doesn’t see a ton of visitors. Mainly people pass through on the way to the incredible Bear Lake for its many recreational opportunities. However, some people visit Montpelier for a different reason.
In 1896, the Bank Of Montpelier was robbed by the one and only Butch Cassidy, along with his gang. They escaped with approximately $7,000 in gold, silver, and currency.
The bank is the last standing that is known to have been robbed by Cassidy. Although it is no longer a functioning bank, the building remains and has been renovated into a museum memorializing the event.
At the museum you will learn all about the incident that took place on that day in 1896, along with information about Cassidy’s life as a whole.
You’ll even witness the original vault that was robbed by him! Seeing the original artifacts of this historic event in person is truly an incredible experience.
A portion of the museum is dedicated to a theory that Cassidy enthusiasts have pertaining to an eerie connection the robber had to the number 13. Cassidy was born on the 13th, was the oldest of 13 siblings, and robbed the Montpelier bank on the 13th of August.....13 minutes past 3 o’clock. The last deposit made before the robbery was $13.
In front of the museum is a Hollywood Star that commemorates Cassidy and his impact on the town. The star is made of brass, weighs 275 pounds, and cost around $20,000. Travelers to the museum are encouraged to take their picture with it.
This star symbolizes just how much of an influence Cassidy unknowingly had on this small Idaho town. He probably didn't know it when he decided to rob the Montpelier bank that day, but his actions would become immortalized in the town's history for over a century.
The town was so affected by the event that they even hold an annual Butch Cassidy Days. It’s a summer festival full of food and activities, including an authentic re-enactment of the robbery itself.
It's amazing to see how the town has come together over such a unique event. It just shows how tight knit and proud this community is of their roots.
Have you visited the Bank of Montpelier Museum? Did you know this unique piece of history existed in Idaho? Be sure to check out the Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Idaho for another look back at Idaho's past.
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