KCSO History Presentation

Step back into the early days of Kootenai County and discover the fascinating history behind the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. This special presentation will explore the agency’s beginnings in 1881 through the relocation of the county seat from Rathdrum in 1908. Attendees will learn about the county’s earliest sheriffs, crime and punishment in frontier North Idaho, the historic Rathdrum Jail, and the people and politics that shaped the region during its formative years.

The presentation will be held at the historic Old Jail Museum in Rathdrum and will feature stories, historical insights, and local legends—including discussion of Deputy Sheriff Wyatt Earp’s connection to Kootenai County history. Following the approximately 45-minute presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session.

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Old Jail Museum
7940 W. 2nd Street, Rathdrum, Idaho

Admission is free. Donations to support repairs and preservation of the historic Old Jail Museum are appreciated.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, local resident, law enforcement supporter, or simply curious about North Idaho’s colorful past, this presentation offers a unique opportunity to learn about the roots of one of the county’s oldest public institutions.