Idaho was the 43rd state to become a part of the Union. It achieved statehood on July 3, 1890.
Early HistoryIdaho was the last state to be explored by the Europeans. During the historic times, the area was inhabited by American Indian tribes, including Nez Perce, Coeur d'Alene, Shoshone, and Bannock.
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Established in 1805, the first non-indigenous settlement was Kullyspell House, on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. The first permanent community in the area was Lewiston in 1861. While many immigrants passed through Idaho on the Oregon Trail or during the California gold rush, few settled here. The present-day Idaho was a part of Oregon County and was claimed by both United States and Great Britain. The prospect of missionary work also attracted many Europeans to this region. Some of the early settlers in the state were Mormon Settlers, English, Irish, African, Basque, and Chinese.
Before 1846, this region was under the jurisdiction of the Provisional Government of Oregon. In 1846, United States gained undisputed jurisdiction. After Oregon became a state, Idaho was designated as the Washington Territory. On March 4, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the act creating Idaho Territory. It was created from portions of Washington Territory and Dakota Territory. Its present day boundaries were assumed in 1868 and the present-day state was admitted on July 3, 1890.
Recent HistoryMining became important commercial venture after Idaho became a state. In the 1860s it used to produce 19% of all gold produced in the Union. It was plagued by labor unrest during its initial years of statehood. It adopted many progressive policies, including women's suffrage (1896) and prohibition (1916), before they became federal law. There was a gradual shift in economy from mining towards agriculture. Today Idaho produces nearly one-third of the potatoes grown in the country.
| Idaho State Profile |
