About Us
For those who are already residents, you know Moscow is located in northern Idaho, in an area known as the Palouse. If the Palouse is new to you, let us introduce ourselves! The University of Idaho, Idaho’s land-grant institution is located in Moscow and is complemented by Washington State University, also a land-grant university located just 10 minutes west in Pullman, Washington. Moscow has a unique blend of small-town comfort and big-city amenities. We love the easy access to natural recreational opportunities, such as hiking, bicycling, fishing or hunting, our award-winning Moscow Farmers Market, the ability to catch a major college game, attend an art opening, or enjoy Moscow’s lively downtown scene and dine at one of our world-class restaurants. Idaho’s natural beauty truly meets international diversity in Moscow. To learn more about the City of Moscow, visit us on Facebook or Instagram. For more information on Moscow, Idaho visit the Moscow Chamber of Commerce + Visitors Center.
A little Moscow history - Settlers were first drawn to the area in 1871, with abundant grassland and available timber for building. The area was first named "Hog Heaven" which was changed to "Paradise Valley" in 1872 when the first US post office opened. In 1875, the city’s first store was opened on what is now Main Street. In 1877, Samuel Neff filed for a postal permit under the name of Moscow because the area reminded him of his hometown of Moscow, Pennsylvania. Moscow grew with the arrival of the railroad in 1885. The town was named Moscow and became incorporated in 1887. Moscow was chosen as the site for a land-grant institution, the University of Idaho, in 1889. Idaho achieved statehood in 1890. Today, the City of Moscow has roughly 150 employees and 20 departments. These range from Water to Legal, to Finance, to Fire, to Community Events, and more.