Get TIPS FOR RESEARCHING - Idaho State Historical Society - Idaho.gov

1860 - Gold is discovered by Elias Pierce at Orofino Creek. 1863 - Idaho Territory is formed with Lewiston as the capital. 1864 - Boise becomes capital of Idaho Territory. 1877 - The Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph try to retreat from the U.S. army into Canada.

Idaho's history lies with its native tribes, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and determined pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Today's Idaho is both cosmopolitan and small-town friendly. Boise, the capital and largest city, developed near Fort Boise along the Oregon Trail has grown to a population of 190,000.

Idaho is as well known for its potatoes, trout and precious stones as it is for its unspoiled, rugged landscapes.

Idaho produces more potatoes and trout than any other state in the nation, and is known as the “Gem State” for the 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones it produces—some of which are exclusive to the state. Its state capital, Boise, is also its largest city with more than 200,000 residents.

Important Idaho Dates 1805Lewis and Clark enter Idaho at Lemhi Pass1886Territorial Capitol completed1890Idaho becomes the 43rd state1901Swan Falls hydroelectric dam completed1910North Idaho fires known as the “The Big Blowup”18 more rows

On June 5, 1976, Teton Dam in southeastern Idaho catastrophically failed. Early that Saturday morning, bulldozer operators tried in vain to plug seepage holes on the downstream face of the dam. By 11 a.m., a torrent of water ripped through the dam, releasing more than one million cubic feet per second.

1864 - Boise becomes capital of Idaho Territory. 1877 - The Nez Perce led by Chief Joseph try to retreat from the U.S. army into Canada. 1892 - Miners' uprisings take place in the Coeur d'Alene region when union miners decide to go on strike. 1896 - Idaho becomes one of the first states to give women the right to vote.

Today, the Idaho State Historical Society is an extraordinary system of cultural and historic resources whose mission is to preserve and promote Idaho's history. The Idaho State Historical Society is a trusted guide through our state's history, offering programs that essential to the state on all levels.