In 1907 the nation’s attention turned to the turreted French Château hotel in Idaho’s capital city where newsmen anxiously followed the era’s most sensational trial. Labor boss Big Bill Haywood stood accused of hiring the assassin who had dynamited former Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg outside his Caldwell home. The Idahna Hotel on Main Street became the trial’s pulsating heart. Red brick and sandstone, with marble steps, carved mahogany, intercom, telephones, and an electric elevator, the Idanha had boarded Stuenenberg’s killer and other colorful players: Clarence Darrow, the nation’s most celebrated defense attorney; James McParland, the century’s most famous detective; Harry Orchard, a notorious mass-murderer and hit-man for the labor bosses; and co-prosecutor William “The Lion” Borah,

a future senator and presidential candidate who famously opposed the anti-radical Espionage Act in 1917. Early Idanha Hotel Drawing "The Trial of the Century” is one of five photographic exhibits slated for the renovated hotel. Researched and designed by Amber Beierle and Adele Thomsen with Todd Shallat and Ken Howell. Sponsored by Parklane Company and Boise State University College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs.

          The Haywood trial exposed two decades of violence and intimidation over working conditions in the Idaho mines.

          The Idanha, said the Idaho Statesman, was “the acme of perfection” in 1901.

conspiracy, assassination • labor wars • the accused • when, who, why • the media • the prosecution • the defense • the verdict • gallery • home

All photos, ISHS unless otherwise noted.