Cataldo, Idaho
The
Mission
The importance of the
Old Mission of the
Sacred Heart can't be minimized. It's story is interwoven
into Idaho history. The mission served as a learning center
and home for the Coeur d'Alene Indians, a stopover for
westward settlers, a haven for the sick, and a supply and
post office. Originally built on the St. Joe River in 1842,
it was moved due to flooding. It's present site overlooking
the Coeur d'Alene River Valley was selected by Father Peter DeSmet between 1844-46. Visible from I-90 it is
approximately 90 ft. long, 40 ft. high and 40 ft. wide. The
structure was built by Jesuit priests and the Coeur d'Alene
Indian Tribe.
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