50 Fun Facts About Idaho

What is the official state flower of Idaho?

The Syringa, also known as mock orange, was designated Idaho's state flower in 1931. Its species name honors Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who documented the plant in his journal.

Which bird is recognized as Idaho's official state bird?

The Mountain Bluebird was adopted as Idaho's state bird in 1931, following a vote by school children. It is known for its brilliant sky-blue plumage, especially in males.

What is the official state tree of Idaho?

The Western White Pine, a large conifer found in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, was designated Idaho's state tree in 1935. It was once the most abundant forest type in the Northern Rockies Ecoregion of Idaho.

Idaho is known by what nickname, reflecting its geological riches?

Idaho has been nicknamed 'The Gem State' since its territorial days due to the abundance of various precious and semi-precious stones found within its borders, including the unique star garnet.

What is the capital and most populous city in Idaho?

Boise is the capital and largest city in Idaho, located in the southwestern part of the state along the Boise River. It developed near Fort Boise along the Oregon Trail.

In what year did Idaho officially become the 43rd U.S. state?

Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, becoming the 43rd state. Its path to statehood involved a period as a U.S. territory after the Oregon Treaty of 1846.

How many other U.S. states share a border with Idaho?

Idaho borders six U.S. states: Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. It also shares a short international border with British Columbia, Canada.

What is the highest point in Idaho?

Borah Peak, standing at 12,662 feet (3,859 meters) in the Lost River Range, is the highest point in Idaho.

Which major river flows through southern Idaho and is a significant tributary of the Columbia River?

The Snake River is the most important river in Idaho, flowing from Yellowstone through the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho before joining the Columbia River.

What unique gemstone, known for its asterism, is Idaho's official state gem?

The Star Garnet, designated the official state gem in 1967, is particularly rare, with Idaho being one of only two places in the world where it can be found in significant abundance.

What is the name of the vast protected wilderness area, one of the largest in the contiguous United States, located in central Idaho?

The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area, at 2.3 million acres, is one of the largest contiguous areas of protected wilderness in the continental United States.

Which city served as the first territorial capital of Idaho before it was moved to Boise?

Lewiston was the first incorporated community in Idaho in 1861 and served as the initial territorial capital from 1863 to 1864, before the capital was transferred to Boise.

The state of Idaho spans across how many time zones?

Idaho is divided into two time zones: the Pacific Time Zone in the northern panhandle and the Mountain Time Zone for the rest of the state.

What major agricultural product is Idaho most famously associated with?

Idaho is widely known for its potato production, although agriculture in the state is diverse and includes a variety of crops and livestock.

Who designed the official state seal of Idaho, making it the only state seal created by a woman?

Emma Edwards Green designed Idaho's state seal, which was adopted by the legislature in 1907. Her design is notable as the only state seal created by a woman.

Which Idaho resort installed the world's first chairlift in 1936?

Sun Valley Resort in Ketchum, Idaho, installed the world's first ski chairlift in 1936, designed by James Curran, a Union Pacific engineer.

What is Idaho's official state fruit?

Several huckleberry species are native to Idaho, with the black or thin-leaved huckleberry being the most common and popular, designated as the state fruit.

What is Idaho's official state raptor?

The Peregrine Falcon was adopted as Idaho's state raptor by the legislature in 2004, known for its incredible speed and global distribution.

Which fish is designated as Idaho's official state fish?

The Cutthroat Trout is Idaho's state fish, named for the distinctive red to orange slash on the underside of its lower jaw.

Which body of water in northern Idaho is the largest and deepest lake in the state?

Lake Pend Oreille, located in the northern panhandle of Idaho, is the state's largest and deepest lake, spanning 148 square miles and reaching a depth of 1,140 feet.

What is the name of the deepest river gorge in North America, partly located along Idaho's western border?

Hells Canyon, carved by the Snake River, is the deepest river gorge in North America and forms part of the border between Idaho and Oregon.

The climate in much of Idaho is characterized by what type of summers?

Idaho's climate generally features warm, dry summers and cold, moist winters, though there is significant variation across the state due to diverse topography.

Which U.S. President signed the act admitting Idaho into the Union?

President Benjamin Harrison signed the act providing for the admission of Idaho into the Union, making it the 43rd state.

What is the approximate population of Idaho as of recent estimates?

Idaho's population is approximately two million people, with recent estimates showing continued growth.

The name 'Idaho' is thought to be derived from a phrase in what Native American language?

The name Idaho is thought to be derived from a Shoshone phrase meaning 'gem of the mountains' or 'light on the mountain.'

Which Idaho city is known for being the headquarters of several major U.S. companies and a hub for agricultural and technology industries?

Boise, as the capital and largest city, is a significant economic center with diverse industries including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and home to headquarters of several companies.

Which mountain range is often considered Idaho's most famous, known for its rugged peaks and scenic beauty?

The Sawtooth Range, with its jagged peaks and alpine lakes, is often considered Idaho's most famous mountain range and a prominent feature in central Idaho.

What was the primary attraction that led to large-scale settlement in Idaho after 1860?

Large-scale settlement in Idaho began after gold was discovered in the early 1860s, drawing thousands of miners and subsequently merchants and farmers to the territory.

The state of Idaho has approximately how many miles of rivers and streams?

Idaho boasts approximately 93,000 miles of rivers and streams, more than any other state in the Lower 48, contributing to its abundant natural resources.

Which treaty in 1846 officially made the area that would become Idaho a U.S. territory?

The Oregon Treaty of 1846 settled the boundary dispute with the British Empire and officially made the area part of the U.S., though Idaho Territory itself was not organized until 1863.

What type of natural disaster, often occurring during spring snowmelt, is a significant concern in Idaho's river valleys?

Floods in Idaho occur most often during the period of seasonal snowmelt in spring, particularly in April and May, impacting residents near rivers.

Idaho is part of which two U.S. subregions?

Idaho is a landlocked state located in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West subregions of the Western United States.

What is Idaho's official state dance?

The square dance was designated as the American Folk Dance of Idaho by the legislature in 1989.

Which Native American tribes were among those living on the land that is now Idaho before European arrival?

Native American tribes such as the Nez Perce, Kootenai, Coeur d'Alene, and Bannock, as well as the Shoshone, have lived in the Idaho region for thousands of years.

What natural phenomenon in Idaho, greater in height than Niagara Falls, is found on the Snake River?

Shoshone Falls, often called the 'Niagara of the West,' is a waterfall on the Snake River that plunges from a height greater than Niagara Falls.

What is the official state fossil of Idaho?

The Hagerman Horse, an extinct equine species, is recognized as the state fossil of Idaho.

The northern part of Idaho, often referred to as the 'Panhandle,' is closely linked geographically and culturally with which neighboring state?

Idaho's northern region, the Panhandle, is closely linked with Eastern Washington, sharing the Pacific Time Zone and cultural ties.

What is the official state vegetable of Idaho?

Given Idaho's renowned production, the potato is fittingly designated as the state vegetable.

What year saw the construction of the New York Canal, a significant irrigation project in Idaho?

Construction on the New York Canal, a key irrigation project for agriculture, began in Idaho in 1882.

Which Idaho company, founded in 1929, is a well-known supermarket chain?

Albertsons, a prominent supermarket chain, opened its first store in Boise, Idaho, in 1939.

What is the name of the official state gem cut for faceted gemstones in Idaho, adopted in 2022?

The Idaho Cut, created by Quincy Douglas Howell, became the official 'Cut' of Idaho for faceted gemstones in 2022, honoring the state's gem heritage.

Idaho's lowest point in elevation is found in which city?

Idaho's lowest point, at 710 feet, is in Lewiston, where the Clearwater River joins the Snake River.

What is the official state amphibian of Idaho?

The Idaho Giant Salamander is designated as the state amphibian of Idaho.

Which historical event in 1976 involved the collapse of a major dam in eastern Idaho?

The Teton Dam, an earthen dam in eastern Idaho, catastrophically collapsed in 1976, causing widespread flooding and damage.

What is the official state insect of Idaho?

The Monarch Butterfly is recognized as the state insect of Idaho.

What is Idaho's state horse, known for its distinctive spotted coat?

The Appaloosa, a horse breed known for its unique spotted coat patterns, is the state horse of Idaho and has historical ties to the Nez Perce tribe.

In what year was the Idaho Territory created?

The Idaho Territory was created on March 3, 1863, out of parts of the Washington and Dakota Territories.

The vast majority of Idaho's population lives in which geographic feature?

The vast majority of Idaho's population resides in the Snake River Plain, a valley running across southern Idaho that contains many of its major cities.

What is the highest recorded temperature in Idaho's history?

Idaho's all-time highest temperature of 118 °F (48 °C) was recorded at Orofino on July 28, 1934.

What is the official state dinosaur of Idaho?

Oryctodromeus, a genus of small, burrowing plant-eating dinosaurs, is the official state dinosaur of Idaho.