The city of Meridian, centrally located in the Treasure Valley, halfway between Boise and Nampa, has a population of 1,000. Meridian is recognized for its excellent public schools, a growing and vital business environment, an active community lifestyle, and affordable housing. Meridian retains its small town friendliness and style of living, offering many recreational and community amenities while also being within 10 miles of the state capital. It is a thriving, growing community with hundreds of retail merchants, manufacturers, and professional services, located only 8 miles from the state capital. It is close to recreational, cultural, and higher education opportunities in the Treasure Valley.
A wealth of recreational opportunities are within easy access of the city. Just 10 miles from Idaho's capital, Meridian residents can take full advantage of the cultural offerings and professional sporting events offered there.
Meridian city has been the fastest growing city in Idaho since 1994, and has become a center of commercial development. Meridian is immediately accessible from Interstate 84, the primary travel corridor through southern Idaho. The interstate highway links Meridian to Boise in the east and Nampa to the west. Its advantageous location on transportation routes makes Meridian one of the biggest honey-shipping points in the State.
An excellent system of primary and secondary roads connect residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Major national and regional airlines serve the area through the Boise airport, with daily connections to major U.S. cities.
LOCATION
Meridian is just north of I-184, the primary route through southern Idaho. Boise is the nearest larger city (11.1 miles away); Eagle (6.5 miles), Star (8.4 miles), and Kuna (6.5) are the closest cities to Meridian.
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS
Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field is approximately 14 miles in Boise. Major national and regional airlines serve the Boise area with daily connections to major U.S. cities.
BRIEF HISTORY
Meridian’s earliest known beginnings were the settlers who lived along Five Mile Creek. They established the first school in 1885. Activity began to constellate along the rail line: The U.S. Postal Service soon established a mail drop along the railroad, and the area began to develop as a center of trade. The name “Meridian” was adopted by the Order of Odd Fellows, and came from surveyors’ language. The principle surveyor’s meridian is called Meridian Street as the town is laid out, the street on which Odd Fellow’s Hall was located.
Meridian was incorporated as a village in 1903, had a population of approximately 200, and was an active business and trade center. The first dairy creamery was built in 1897. Other dairy-related activities sprung up, and Meridian soon established itself as a major dairy center in Idaho. Meridian continues to celebrate its dairy farm history every year in June during the Meridian Dairy Days.
Other farm industries became well established throughout the state. Large fruit orchards were planted by the early farmers, making Meridian was the home of a large fruit growing, packing and shipping industry through the 1940’s. Bee farming complemented the fruit growing industry and Idaho apiaries were among the largest in the nation. In time the population increase and other factors resulted in the development of businesses related to the timber and housing industries.
Between 1908 and 1928, the Interurban, an electric railway that connected Meridian with other valley towns, provided an important transportation means for dairy products, fruit, as well as passenger service. The original depot for the Interurban is now the Meridian Public Library, and serves as the library's Old Towne Branch.
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