The stone "steps to nowhere" still found in upscale neighborhoods such as Warm Springs and Harrison Boulevard are remnants of a time when Boiseans got around town by horse-drawn coach.

The steps date to the late 19th century. They were located near the residences of people who were well-off enough to keep their own coaches or to call private coaches to their homes or offices - the forerunner of a car service.

The sandstone hitching posts that still stand in Boise's oldest neighborhoods are even more common than stone steps. They're another echo of the horse-and-buggy age.

According to the city's Boise 150 blog, ownership of these stone remnants is analogous to trees on the county-owned right-of-way strip. They fall into a gray zone. They're kind of yours, but you can't take them with you if you move.

Find hitching posts near 10th and Hays Streets north of Boise High School.

Anna Webb: 377-6431