The Blaine County Historical Museum is located in Hailey, Idaho, the Gem State. It was established in August 1962, to "Discover, procure and maintain whatever may relate to the history of Blaine County." The museum is located in a building that was donated by the pioneering Friedman family. It was originally an adobe structure and was built in 1883. The area surrounding Blaine County has had a rich and colorful history. The Shoshoni and Bannock tribes traveled through and hunted in this area. In 1824, Alexander Ross and his expedition were the first white men to arrive in the Wood River valley, followed by miners and ranchers. In the early 1800s, new towns were developed, and mining claims were filed, freight lines established, newspapers printed, casinos and brothels appeared, banks opened, churches and schools were built. In 1883, the Oregon Short Line Railroad was extended to the Wood River valley. Although mining speculation and supporting businesses eventually subsided and the population dwindled, the valley eventually diversified its economic base. Today it attracts people from all over the world who are fascinated by its unique history, with its world class scenery and activities.