Welcome to the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, a path that not only offers stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains but also a poignant journey through history. This trail bears the name of ‘Big Ed’ Pulaski, a heroic forest ranger whose quick thinking during the 1910 Big Burn saved the lives of 38 men. As you tread this path, imagine the roaring inferno that once threatened these lands and the courageous act of Pulaski leading his men to shelter in a mining tunnel.
Wallace, Idaho, where the trail is located, is a town steeped in a rich tapestry of historical events and fascinating characters. Established in the late 19th century, Wallace became a thriving mining hub due to its rich deposits of silver and other precious metals. The town’s founder, Colonel William R. Wallace, was drawn to these hills by the promise of great wealth. Despite early legal battles over land ownership due to the use of Sioux Scrip, Wallace flourished and attracted a diverse community of miners from all over the world.
By the 1890s, Wallace was booming, but it also faced trials by fire—literally. A devastating fire in 1890 razed much of its wooden structures, prompting the construction of the resilient brick buildings you see today. Then, the catastrophic Big Burn of 1910 swept through, leaving indelible scars on the land and its people. Yet, Wallace persevered, its spirit as unyielding as the mountains that surround it.
Pulaski, who lived and worked here, is not just remembered for his bravery during the fire but also for inventing the Pulaski tool, a combination of an ax and a hoe, which remains an essential tool in firefighting today.
Through the years, Wallace has hosted a number of notable figures and events. President Teddy Roosevelt once gave a speech from the historic train station, and the town’s picturesque streets have served as the backdrop for several Hollywood films. Wallace has even humorously claimed the title of the ‘Center of the Universe,’ marked by a manhole cover downtown.
As you walk or ride through this trail, know that you are not just exploring nature, but also walking through chapters of history that have shaped this resilient town.
