Old Shoup Warehouse
Salmon, Lemhi County
- Grant: 2026 – crack stitching, arch fixing, wall ties – worst damage addressed in order from major to minor.
Location: 109 S. Center St, Salmon, ID 83467
The three-story Shoup Building was built in 1887 at the behest of George Shoup, who would go on to become Idaho’s first Governor. The National Register Nomination from 1978 calls it ‘the most pretentious store building of Idaho’s territorial period.’ The Idaho Recorder considered the building to be “a monster establishÂment” which had “no equal in Idaho.” The Challis Messenger was more specific and claimed, “It is far and above in height and magnificence than those structures which have preceded it; and argues a new era in building and business prosperity.”
The building was home to Shoup’s Pioneer Mercantile business on the first floor, county courts on the second, and the local Masonic Hall on the third floor. This was the third iteration of Shoup’s business – the first being in a tent, the second in a log cabin – which began a mere three months after Salmon’s founding. Shoup served in both houses of Idaho’s territorial legislature, served as the territory’s final governor, and was elected the state’s first governor and later senator.
The warehouse building behind the main building stands a mere two-stories and was added on shortly after the turn of the 20th century. It is notable not only for belonging to Mr. Shoup, but also for its continuation of the distinctive red brick with white banding from the storefront and office buildings that preceded it.
While in generally good condition, the building is showing signs of its age, exhibiting significant cracking, possibly from earthquakes (a window recently cracked in one of the smaller regional earthquakes) some water damage, and the window and door surrounds are in somewhat poor condition and currently contribute to water issues. A phased mitigation plan is currently underway with the help of a 2026 IHT Spring Heritage Grant.
