The State of Idaho

Like most Western territories in the mid-1800's, Idaho was lumped together into the generic category of the "Oregon Territory." The Territory of Idaho was established on March 4, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln and became the 43rd state in 1890. "Idaho," while commonly believed to be taken from a Native American word meaning "Gem of the Mountain," it is actually a coined term. Used to describe ships that sailed on the Columbia River, it was later used to refer to the mines on the Clearwater River. As the 13th largest geographical state in the union, Idaho has a population of 1.3 million people.

Starting with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Idaho has played an important role in the history of the American West. Sacajawea, the woman known for leading much of the expedition through the western states on the return to her homeland, was a member of the Shoshoni tribe, which spent part of their year on the south eastern border between Montana and Idaho. Having promised to supply the expedition with horses for the remainder of their journey to the ocean, Sacajawea fulfilled this task in present day Idaho, before the expedition turned north. In later years, five pioneer trails, including the Oregon Trail, crossed through parts of Idaho.

Today, Idaho is a busy state, possessing many different industries. With the manufacturing of electronics, computer equipment, and food processing at number one, agriculture comes in at number two, with potatoes, trout, and Austrian Winter peas as the main products. Boise is the largest city in Idaho, as well as the capitol.

Most of Idaho's attractions involve the natural environment and wildlife. 63% of Idaho's land is controlled by the federal government, allowing for large expanses of state parks, wildlife refuges, and the opportunity to see nature at its best. Boating, ranches, ATV trails, hunting, and fishing make up common tourist activities in the state. Idaho experiences cold winters and dry summers, with weather varying, of course, in the different areas around the state. The state receives its fair share of snowfall that makes up most of the precipitation that falls, allowing for a wide range of winter sports to be enjoyed. In fact, Picabo Street, the Olympic Gold Medalist in skiing, was born and raised on Idaho's slopes.

Interesting facts:

State flower: Syringa
State horse: Appaloosa
State vegetable: Potato
State song: "Here We Have Idaho"