Idaho, often celebrated as the Gem State, is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, rich history, and intriguing peculiarities. From its majestic mountains and deep canyons to its pioneering spirit and quirky laws, delving into Idaho facts reveals a state brimming with stories and surprises.
Officially becoming the 43rd state on July 3, 1890, Idaho has carved a distinctive identity within the American West. Its vast landscapes and unique contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural and historical fabric.
Geography and Unspoiled Natural Wonders
Idaho’s landscape is dominated by breathtaking natural features, many of which hold national or even world records.
Immense Wilderness and Deep Canyons
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The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness stands as the largest wilderness area in the 48 contiguous states, encompassing an astounding 2.3 million acres of rugged, unspoiled backcountry. This vast expanse offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing.
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Hells Canyon, carved by the Snake River, is an awe-inspiring spectacle. At 7,900 feet, it is the deepest river gorge in North America, surpassing even the Grand Canyon in depth. Its sheer scale and dramatic cliffs are a testament to the powerful forces of nature.
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The Salmon River, famously known as the “River of No Return” due to its challenging currents, holds the distinction of being the nation’s longest free-flowing river that both originates and flows entirely within a single state. It’s a vital artery for recreation and a symbol of Idaho’s wild heart.
Towering Peaks and Dramatic Falls
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Seven Devils’ Peaks forms one of Idaho’s highest mountain ranges. From Heaven’s Gate Lookout within this range, visitors are treated to panoramic views that can stretch across four different states.
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Perched at 9,500 feet, the Trinity Mountain lookout is the highest fire lookout in the Boise National Forest, offering critical surveillance and stunning vistas.
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Shoshone Falls, located near Twin Falls, plunges an impressive 212 feet, making it 52 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls. This natural wonder is often referred to as the ‘Niagara of the West’.
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Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune, reaching a height of 470 feet. The nearby Bruneau Canyon Overlook provides a dramatic perspective into a 1,200-foot-deep, 800-foot-wide river canyon.
Geothermal Activity and Unique Formations
Idaho is rich in geothermal resources. The Statehouse in Boise, along with numerous other city buildings, benefits from geothermal heating supplied by underground hot springs. The state is dotted with both public and private hot springs, offering relaxation and natural warmth.
Rich History and Enduring Heritage
Idaho’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of exploration, pioneering spirit, and significant developments.
Pioneer Trails and Indigenous Roots
Five of history’s most significant pioneer trails, including the Oregon Trail and the California Trail, traverse Southern Idaho. Wagon ruts, etched into the rugged terrain by countless westward-bound settlers, are still visibly preserved along these historic routes.
Sacajawea, a Lemhi Shoshoni woman from an area now on the Montana/Idaho border, played a crucial role in American exploration. She famously escorted Meriwether Lewis and William Clark through northern Idaho to the mouth of the Columbia River drainage. Today, Highway 12 traces portions of the historic Lewis and Clark Trail.
The Kamiah Valley holds deep significance for the Nez Perce people, rich in their heritage and legends. It was here that the Appaloosa horse was first selectively bred by the ancestors of the present-day Nez Perce, primarily for its exceptional qualities as a war animal.
Territorial Years and Statehood
Between 1863, when Abraham Lincoln signed the bill establishing Idaho as a Territory, and its statehood 27 years later, the Idaho Territory saw 16 governors, four of whom never even visited the state they were appointed to govern.
The Cataldo Mission of the Sacred Heart, established in the 1840s by Jesuit Priests, holds the distinction of being the oldest standing building in the state, a remarkable relic of early missionary efforts.
Idaho’s first territorial prison, opened in 1872, now serves as the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a fascinating Boise tourist attraction. After housing its last prisoners in 1974, it was converted into a public facility, offering tours through courtyards, cells, gallows, and the notorious “coolers” where solitary confinement was enforced.
Notable Figures and Events
Outlaw Butch Cassidy (George Leroy Parker) famously robbed the bank in Montpelier, Idaho, on August 13, 1896, reportedly making off with $7,165.
President Theodore Roosevelt established the Caribou National Forest in 1907, an area that now spans over 1 million acres in southeast Idaho, preserving vital ecosystems and natural resources.
The great Wallace fire of 1910 led to a significant innovation: the invention of the Pulaski, a mattock-ax tool essential for firefighting, developed in Idaho.
Economic Contributions and Innovative Spirit
Idaho, the Gem State, lives up to its name with significant contributions to various sectors, from precious metals to technological firsts.
Mining and Agriculture
Appropriately named, Idaho produces 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones, some of which are unique to the world. One of the largest diamonds ever found in the United States, weighing nearly 20 carats, was discovered near McCall, Idaho.
The Silver Valley in northern Idaho has an astonishing history, producing over $4 billion in precious metals since 1884, securing its place as one of the top 10 mining districts globally.
Idaho is globally recognized for its agricultural output, particularly potatoes. The state cultivates approximately 27 billion potatoes annually, making it a leading producer.
Nearly 85 percent of all commercial trout sold in the United States originates from the Hagerman Valley near Twin Falls, highlighting Idaho’s vital role in aquaculture.
Technological and Industrial Milestones
Sun Valley holds the distinction of being recognized as the home of America’s first destination ski resort. It was also the site of the world’s first alpine skiing chairlift, built by Union Pacific Railroad engineers in 1936, designed after a banana-boat loading device. The initial fee was a mere 25¢ per ride!
The world’s first nuclear power plant was located at the Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory near Arco, Idaho. In 1953, the town of Arco became the first community in the world to be powered by atomic energy.
In 1953, the engineering prototype of the first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, was built and tested in the Idaho desert on the Snake River Plain near Arco.
Rigby is celebrated as the birthplace of television, being the hometown of Philo T. Farnsworth, a pioneering figure in television technology.
Despite being landlocked, Idaho boasts a seaport. The Port of Lewiston facilitates the export of millions of bushels of grain down the Snake and Columbia Rivers for overseas shipment, connecting Idaho to global markets.
Unique Culture, Legends, and Quirky Laws
Beyond its natural beauty and historical significance, Idaho possesses a unique cultural fabric, woven with intriguing legends and a touch of the eccentric.
Folklore and Mystery
In the late 1800s, several sightings of strange creatures were reported in Bear Lake, on the Idaho/Utah border. The legend of the Bear Lake Monster, a serpent-like creature reportedly reaching 90 feet in length and moving faster than running horses, captivated residents and visitors alike. To this day, some locals hesitate to fish the lake at night, a testament to the enduring myth.
A treasure, said to be that of the Montana sheriff-turned-outlaw Henry Plummer, is rumored to be hidden in Beaver Canyon near Spencer, and has never been located.
Celebrity Connections
Julia Jean Mildred Frances Turner, born in Wallace, Idaho, transformed into the iconic movie star Lana Turner.
The renowned author Ernest Hemingway arrived in Sun Valley in 1939 to work on his novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls. Idaho’s wide-open spaces allowed Hemingway to indulge his passions for hunting, skiing, and fishing. He is buried in Ketchum, Idaho, where he passed away on July 2, 1961.
Unusual Laws and Local Peculiarities
Some Idaho communities have regulations that might raise an eyebrow:
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In Pocatello, it is against the law to be seen publicly without a smile. Conversely, carrying concealed weapons is forbidden unless some are exhibited to public view, as per a 1912 law.
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Idaho law forbids anyone over the age of 88 from riding a motorcycle, an unusual age-related restriction.
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Riding a merry-go-round on Sundays is considered a crime in Idaho.
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Anti-delinquency statutes in Idaho prohibit juveniles from deliberately stepping on ants.
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In Boise, residents are forbidden to fish from a giraffe’s back, or a camel’s back anywhere in Idaho. While seemingly absurd, these specific prohibitions add to Idaho’s unique charm.
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A specific law forbids citizens from giving another citizen a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds.
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Coeur d’Alene has a peculiar protocol for police officers investigating vehicles for suspicious activity. Officers are not allowed to simply knock on the window; instead, they must drive up from behind, honk their horn three times, and wait approximately two minutes before approaching the vehicle.
Other points of interest include Island Park, which boasts the longest main street in America, stretching an impressive 33 miles. The town of American Falls is unique, having been entirely relocated in the mid-1920s during the construction of the original American Falls Dam.
Elk River is home to the Idaho Champion Western Red Cedar Tree, the largest tree in the state. Estimated to be over 3,000 years old, this giant measures more than 18 feet in diameter and stands 177 feet tall.
Soda Springs proudly features the largest man-made geyser in the world, a testament to human ingenuity tapping into natural forces.
Idaho is also home to several intriguing ghost towns, including Silver City, Yankee Fork, Gold Dredge, and the Sierra Silver Mine, remnants of its vibrant mining past.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Idaho
From its deep-rooted history and powerful natural landscapes to its innovative spirit and unique cultural quirks, Idaho truly lives up to its moniker as the Gem State. It’s a place where pioneering trails crisscross ancient lands, where record-breaking natural wonders inspire awe, and where even the laws reflect a distinctive local flavor. These facts about Idaho paint a picture of a state that is both rugged and refined, traditional and forward-thinking, making it a truly captivating corner of the American West.
