Idaho is a state located in the northwestern region of the United States. As of the 2020 United States Census, the estimated population of Idaho is approximately 1.8 million people.
The capital of Idaho is Boise, located in the southwestern part of the state. As of the 2020 Census, the estimated population of Boise is approximately 240,000 people.
The most populous city in Idaho is also Boise, making it both the capital and largest city in the state.
The history of Idaho begins with the arrival of Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Bannock. These tribes lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers and settlers.
The first European to explore Idaho was likely French-Canadian fur trader and explorer, Francois Payette, in 1795. In the early 1800s, American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through the area as part of their famous expedition to the Pacific Northwest.
Idaho’s first permanent settlement was established in 1860 at Franklin, in the southeastern part of the state. The discovery of gold in the region in the 1860s led to a population boom and the establishment of more settlements and mining towns. The Oregon Trail, a major route for pioneers heading west, also passed through southern Idaho.
In 1890, Idaho became the 43rd state to join the United States. The state’s early years were marked by political struggles and labor disputes, including the Coeur d’Alene mining strikes in the 1890s and the assassination of former Governor Frank Steunenberg in 1905.
Idaho played a key role in World War II, with its major military installation, the Idaho National Laboratory, contributing to the development of nuclear energy and weapons. Today, Idaho is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and white-water rafting. The state’s economy is based on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.