History
Take a closer look at the milestones and moments that built Idaho’s past and continue to influence its future.
History
Take a closer look at the milestones and moments that built Idaho’s past and continue to influence its future.
When Congress created Idaho Territory in 1863, the new territory sprawled across an area one-quarter larger than Texas. Today’s state is smaller, but Idaho is still as large as all six New England states combined with New Jersey and Delaware. Consequently, to travel through Idaho from Bonner’s Ferry in the north to Montpelier in the southeast encompasses a trip of nearly 800 miles, only slightly less than traveling from New York City to Chicago.
Idaho State Historical Society offers several ways to explore Idaho history, including the Idaho State Historical Society Reference Series.
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 1805 | Lewis and Clark enter Idaho at Lemhi Pass |
| 1834 | Fort Boise established |
| 1849 | California Gold Rush begins |
| 1861 | Lewiston established |
| 1864 | Boise City is incorporated |
| 1877 | Nez Perce Indian War |
| 1882 | Northern Pacific Railroad completed in Idaho |
| 1882 | Construction on the New York Canal begins |
| 1886 | Territorial Capitol completed |
| 1890 | Idaho becomes the 43rd state |
| 1901 | Swan Falls hydroelectric dam completed |
| 1910 | North Idaho fires known as the “The Big Blowup” |
| 1915 | Arrowrock Dam completed |
| 1931 | State symbols adopted |
| 1936 | First ski chair lift |
| 1939 | First Albertson’s store opens |
| 1941 | JR Simplot begins potato dehydration operation |
| 1951 | First Atomic power produced at EBR1 |
| 1972 | Sawtooth National Recreation Area completed |
| 1975 | Port of Lewiston opens |
| 1976 | Teton Dam collapses |
| 1995 | North Idaho floods brings U.S. President to Idaho |
| 2009 | Idaho hosts the Special Olympics World Winter Games |
