The Boise Meridian was established in 1867 in 116°23’35”W longitude, and its principal base line is 43°22’21”N latitude. This meridian and base line control all land surveys in the state of Idaho. The initial point is due south of the town of Meridian, Idaho, and boasts a viewing platform atop a butte approximately 170 feet above the surrounding plain. This initial point was chosen so that the meridian would stretch through the northern panhandle of the state to the Canadian border. Survey townships were run both north and south of the controlling base line, and ranges were surveyed both east and west of the Principal Meridian.
