The name: Like Nampa, there is no cut-and-dry explanation as to the meaning of the town’s name. Here are a few possibilities:

• The Oregon Short Line Railroad called it Notus after the person who came up with the name said it may have corresponded to an Indian word meaning “it’s all right.”
• According to some, the name originated from homesteaders at a river crossing along the Oregon Trail, who said “not us” when asked if they were prepared to make the trip to Oregon.
• One mysterious explanation purports that the name came from an ancient North African city.
• Still others say Notus comes from a Greek word meaning “south wind.”

History: Called by some a “nice, quiet little town,” Notus appeared doomed when early settlers came to the area.

Although according to a sign on the town’s main road “Confederate refugees” from Missouri tried farming there in the mid-1860s, their stay didn’t last. In fact, history shows that most early attempts at farming in the area failed and many of those who intended to settle the land packed up and moved on.

But things began to take an about-face in 1902.

Realizing the need to bring water to the area in order for it to survive, the Burns family struck an accord with Howard and N.B. Sebree to establish a ditch there. The Sebree Ditch Co., later known as Farmer’s Cooperative Ditch Co., formed in 1902. Black Canyon Irrigation arrived in 1940.

Also realizing the need for water was the Oregon Short Line Railroad, which after coming through the town realized Notus was a prime location for a water stop along the railroad line. The company built a water tank there in 1883.

Trivia fact: L.E. Small, who led the way to the town’s incorporation in 1921, became the first mayor of Notus. He also is credited with bringing electricity from Idaho Power to Notus and obtaining street lights.