Basque Sheep Herders

Basque Sheep Herders

Idaho's Basque population is the largest in America.  With over 15,000 statewide, this group arrived in the area seeking gold in the mid-1800's.  They were quickly recognized for their shepherding skills and hired by local sheep ranchers, where they infused their culture of food, music and dancing celebrated to this day with the "Trailing of the Sheep Festival" occurring annually in Ketchum, Idaho, just a short distance north of the Historic Shoshone, Idaho.  Every year in October, 3,000 sheep and their herders march down Main Street in Ketchum commemorating their historic contribution to Idaho.

---