Idaho has a rich history that spans back to when it became a state in 1890. But how did Idaho become a state in the first place? And what are some fun facts about this Western Gem State? In this blog post, we will explore the history of Idaho and discuss some of the interesting things that make it unique!

When was Idaho granted statehood?

Idaho was the 43rd state to join the Union, when it was granted statehood on July 3, 1890. Interestingly enough, this is later than some of its neighboring states, including Montana (which became a state on November 8, 1889), Washington state (which was November 11, 1889) and Oregon (which was February 14, 1859). This is also 26 years after the city of Boise was incorporated.

How did Idaho become a state?

There are a few key events that led to Idaho becoming a state. First, the area was explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805 as part of their expedition to find the Northwest Passage. Then, in 1860, gold was discovered in Idaho, which led to an influx of miners and settlers into the area. Finally, on July 3, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed a proclamation granting Idaho statehood.

What are some states that were granted statehood after Idaho?

Being the 43rd state to join the Union, Idaho was definitely one of the latter states. However, there are a few states that joined even later:

  • Wyoming: July 10, 1890
  • Utah: January 4, 1896
  • Oklahoma: November 16, 1907
  • New Mexico: January 6, 1912
  • Arizona: February 14, 1912
  • Alaska: January 3, 1959
  • Hawaii: August 21, 1959

Why is Idaho called The Gem State?

To most people, Idaho is probably known for its potatoes. But officially, Idaho is called The Gem State. This is because of its many valuable gemstones that are found in the state. Some of the most notable gems found in Idaho are the star garnet and the Idaho topaz. The star garnet is a type of garnet that is found only in Idaho and it is a deep red color. The Idaho topaz is a type of topaz that is found only in Idaho and it is a pale blue color. These gems are found in the mountains of Idaho and they are a source of pride for the state.

What is Idaho known for?

To many people, Idaho and potatoes are almost synonymous. And it’s no surprise! Did you know that there are 13 billion pounds of potatoes harvested in Idaho every year, according to the Idaho Potato Commission?

But in addition to the delicious potatoes grown in Idaho, the state is also known for its incredible scenery. With anything from snow-capped mountains to whitewater rivers, lush valleys and lots of agriculture, Idaho is truly a unique place to live and play.

Fun Facts about Idaho

Here are some fun facts about the state of Idaho:

  • It’s no secret that Idaho is known for hiking. But did you know that Idaho has over 25,000 miles of hiking and backpacking trails?
  • There are over 130 hot springs in Idaho! For some of our favorites, check out our article Best Hot Springs in Idaho.
  • According to the 2020 census, Idaho’s population was over 1.8 million.
  • The first Albertson’s store opened in 1939 in Idaho. To this day, the retailer is headquartered in Boise, Idaho.
  • Did you know that Idaho has two different time zones? While the majority of the state is in Mountain Time, the northern portion of the state is in the Pacific Time Zone.
  • Lewis and Clark entered what would later be known as the state of Idaho at Lemhi Pass in 1805.

Conclusion

Idaho is a state with a rich history and a lot to offer. From its unique gemstones to its delicious potatoes, Idaho is truly a gem of the West. And with its incredible scenery and friendly people, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to call Idaho home. Hopefully you learned some fun things about this unique state.