History of Idaho, USA

1872 - Idaho's first territorial prison was opened in 1872. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was converted into a public facility after the last prisoners were removed in 1974.

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1877 - Native Americans of the Nez Percé tribe, led by Chief Joseph, fought off federal forces for months in parts of Idaho before surrendering near the Canadian border.

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1890 - Idaho became 43rd state on July 3; first session of Idaho legislature met

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1895 - Idaho
Idaho, i'da-ho, one of the northwestern states of the American Union, situated in the Pacific highland, and principally in the basin of the Columbia River, is bounded by British Columbia and Montana, E. by Montana and Wyoming, S. by Utah and Nevada, and W. by Oregon and Washington. It lies between lat. 42° and 49° N, and lon. 111° and 117° W. The crest of the Bitter Root Mountains forms the boundary on the N.E., and the main chain of the Rocky Mountains extends along the southwestern frontier. The W. boundary follows for about 180 miles the course of the Shoshone, Snake, or Lewis River. Area, 86,294 square miles...

History.–In 1863, Idaho was formed, being set off mainly from Washington, Dakota, and Nebraska. It then included Montana and a part of Wyoming. Its present area all belonged to Washington up to 1863. Idaho received its present limits in 1868, after having parted with a large share of its area in 1864. Gold was found here in 1852, and in 1860 it was struck in paying... Read MORE...

1906 - Largest sawmill in U. S. began operations at Potlatch
In 1906, the largest sawmill in the United States began operations in Potlatch, a small town in Idaho. This sawmill was a significant development in the timber industry, as it represented the cutting-edge technology and large-scale operations that were becoming more common in the early 20th century. The mill was owned and operated by the Potlatch Lumber Company, which was one of the major players in the timber industry at the time.

The opening of the Potlatch sawmill had a profound impact on the local economy and the surrounding region. It brought an influx of jobs and workers to Potlatch, transforming the town into a bustling center of industry. The mill also had a major impact on the timber industry as a whole, contributing to the growth of the logging and lumber industries in the Pacific Northwest.
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1907 - President Theodore Roosevelt established the Caribou National Forest. The area now covers more than 1 million acres in southeast Idaho.

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1910 - Forest fires consumed one-sixth of Idaho's forests, destroyed many communities

In 1910, a devastating series of forest fires swept through Idaho, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. These fires, fueled by dry conditions and high winds, quickly spread across the state, consuming approximately one-sixth of Idaho's forests. The fires were so intense and widespread that they were eventually dubbed the "Big Blowup" or the "Great Fire of 1910."

The fires not only destroyed vast swathes of forest but also had a profound impact on the communities in their path. Many towns and settlements were completely obliterated, with homes, businesses, and infrastructure reduced to ash.
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1910 - August 20 - The big blow up of forest fires finally came to an end in Idaho.
A record dry August fueled 1736 fires which burned three million acres destroying six billion board feet of timber. The fires claimed the lives of 85 persons, 78 of which were fire fighters, and consumed the entire town of Wallace. The smoke spread a third of the way around the world producing some dark days in the U.S. and Canada. The forest fires prompted federal fire protection laws.
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1924 - Craters of the Moon National Monument established; Black Canyon Dam completed
In 1924, two significant events took place in the Idaho. First, Craters of the Moon National Monument was established. This unique area in Idaho preserves a vast ocean of lava flows and remnants of volcanic activity, offering a stark and captivating landscape that resembles the surface of the moon. The establishment of the monument was a recognition of the area's geological and scientific significance, ensuring its protection for future generations to explore and study.

Second, the completion of the Black Canyon Dam marked a milestone in water management and irrigation in the region. Located on the Payette River in southwestern Idaho, the dam provided critical water storage and flood control, supporting agricultural development and economic growth in the area. The completion of the dam not only facilitated the expansion of farmlands but also provided a reliable source of water for local communities, demonstrating the importance of infrastructure projects in shaping the landscape... Read MORE...

1934 - Idaho became number one in U.S. in silver production
In 1934, Idaho achieved a significant milestone by becoming the leading state in silver production within the United States. This accomplishment was a result of Idaho's rich mineral deposits, particularly in regions like the Coeur d'Alene mining district, which had been producing silver for decades. The state's silver boom was fueled by technological advancements in mining and processing methods, which allowed for more efficient extraction of the precious metal from the earth.

Idaho's rise to the top of the silver production rankings in 1934 was not only a testament to its geological wealth but also a reflection of the economic challenges of the time. The Great Depression had gripped the nation, leading to a sharp decline in industrial output and widespread unemployment. Idaho's silver production provided a vital economic lifeline, creating jobs and generating revenue that helped support the state and its residents during this difficult period.
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1942 - Japanese-Americans placed in internment camps at Hunt, Idaho
In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor and amid rising fears of espionage and sabotage, the United States government issued Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. This decision primarily affected those of Japanese descent, regardless of their citizenship status. One of the internment camps established was at Hunt, Idaho, known as the Minidoka War Relocation Center.

Minidoka was one of the largest internment camps, housing over 9,000 Japanese Americans at its peak. Conditions in the camp were harsh, with families living in cramped, barracks-style housing and facing restrictions on their freedom. Despite these challenges, many Japanese Americans at Minidoka sought to maintain a sense of community and normalcy, establishing schools, churches, and recreational activities. The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is now widely recognized as a grave injustice, and efforts to... Read MORE...

January 3, 1961 - A three day long icestorm was in progress over northern Idaho which produced an accumulation of ice eight inches thick, a U.S. record.
Heavy fog, which blanketed much of northern Idaho from Grangeville to the Canadian border, deposited the ice on power and phone lines causing widespread power outages
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2023 - There's something for everyone to enjoy in the Gem State. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Idaho:
Visit Boise: Start your Idaho adventure in the state capital, Boise. Explore the vibrant downtown area, visit the Idaho State Capitol Building, and take a walk along the Boise River Greenbelt.

Hike in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Located in central Idaho, this area offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. Hike through rugged mountains, fish in pristine lakes, and camp under the stars.

Go Skiing in Sun Valley: Sun Valley is a world-renowned ski destination. In the winter, hit the slopes at Sun Valley Resort, and in the summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and festivals.

See Shoshone Falls: Often called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is even higher than Niagara Falls. It's a stunning sight, and you can also explore the surrounding parks.

Experience Coeur d'Alene: This picturesque town in northern Idaho is known for its beautiful lake, outdoor activities, and a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants.

Visit Idaho Falls:... Read MORE...