Pocatello is the county seat of Bannock County, Idaho, though a small chunk of land actually falls on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. When the United States government compiled data as part of its decennial census, it found that Pocatello has a population just over 54,000. Nearly 10 years ago, Forbes Magazine deemed Pocatello one of the best cities in America for businesses and careers.
Once Upon a Time…
Situated near the Portneuf River, Pocatello was a prominent location along the Oregon Trail. It played a significant role in Idaho’s gold rush, and eventually became a recognizable hub for agricultural interests. Before European settlers began to dominate the land now known as Pocatello, the area was inhabited by members of the Bannock and Shoshoni Native American tribes.
The Land of Smiles
Move over, Thailand. The land known as the “U.S. Capitol of Smiles” is none other than Pocatello, Idaho. Indeed, after an especially devastating winter in 1948, mayor George Phillips passed a city ordinance outlawing frowning in Pocatello. Incredibly, this ordinance was never repealed, and an annual event called “Smile Days” now occupies a square on every resident’s yearly calendar.
Major Economic Players & Notable Residents
The most prominent employers in Pocatello include Idaho State University; Bannock County; Pocatello/Chubbuck School District; Union Pacific Railroad; Portneuf Medical Center; Allstate Insurance; the City of Pocatello; Convergys; and ON Semiconductor. Notable residents include actress Billie Bird, ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter, and author Celeste West.
Helping Good People in Bad Situations
Serving the entire state of Idaho — particularly Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Blackfoot, Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Mountain Home — Bird Law Offices deals exclusively in criminal defense and is committed to protecting your rights and freedom.
