100 Interesting Facts About Idaho

Last updated on June 23rd, 2024

84. Idaho played a significant role in the development of nuclear energy. The world’s first usable amount of electricity from nuclear power was generated at Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) near Arco, Idaho, in 1951.

85. Idaho National Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory, is the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development.

86. In 1910, a devastating wildfire known as the “Big Burn” engulfed millions of acres in Idaho, Washington, and Montana. This event led to significant changes in firefighting techniques and policies, shaping modern forest management practices.

87. Philo Farnsworth, an inventor born in Beaver, Idaho, made significant contributions to the development of television technology. His innovations laid the foundation for modern television broadcasting.

88. In the early 20th century, dog sleds were used to deliver mail and supplies in remote parts of Idaho during winter.

89. Many states are working toward being more eco-friendly, but it seems that Idaho is moving quickly. The state’s Capitol Building is the only state capitol that is kept warm using a renewable source of energy. They are using geothermal water (which means the hot water that sits 3,000 feet underground) to produce heat.

90. The Old Idaho Penitentiary, situated in Boise, served as the state’s prison from 1872 to 1973, accommodating infamous criminals such as Raymond Allen Snowden, known as the “Torso Killer,” and Lyda Southard, the notorious “Black Widow.”

91. The state’s motto is “Esto Perpetua,” which means “this is forever.”

92. Idaho’s state song, “Here We Have Idaho,” was penned by McKinley Helm and Albert J. Tompkins, capturing the essence of the state’s natural splendor and resources. Written in 1915, this patriotic ode has stood the test of time, resonating with generations of Idahoans.

93. Idaho’s official state aircraft is the Taylorcraft L-2, a compact and versatile airplane that played a vital role during World War II for reconnaissance and artillery spotting. The Taylorcraft L-2 was designated the state aircraft in 2009, recognizing its historical significance and contribution to wartime efforts.

94. The state’s fruit is the Huckleberry, which makes sense because Huckleberry tea is good for starch digestion. Potatoes, the most popular vegetable in the state, are full of starch.

95. Women should be pretty proud of Idaho as it is the only state seal in the United States that was designed by a woman. The woman was Emma Edwards Green, and her design was chosen in 1891.

96. Idaho became one of the pioneering states in the U.S. to pass the groundbreaking “Idaho Stop Law” in 1982. This legislation allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, promoting a more bike-friendly environment on the roads.

97. It might sound a little strange, but it is against the law for a man to give his beloved a box of sweets that weighs more than 50 pounds.

98. People really love to smile in Pocatello, Idaho. This obsession with smiles went so far that it became a law. Yes, it is illegal not to smile in public in this little region of the state.

99. It is illegal for a person to fish while they are riding the back of a camel. Take that camel-riding fisherman.

100. A person cannot sweep dirt from his or her house into the street. This is a law in Eagle, Idaho where cleanliness is definitely valued by the people in the city.

After reading Idaho facts, let us also learn about one of the state’s most important river – The Snake river. 

The Snake River

1. By far, the most important river in Idaho is the Snake River, a major tributary of the Columbia River. It is also one of the major rivers in the western United States, at 1,078 miles (1,735 km) long.

2. The river is the 13th longest rivers in the US.

3. The Snake River drains a large watershed that encompasses parts of six U.S. states: Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

4. The average discharge of the Snake River is over 55,000 cubic feet per second (1,600 m3/s), making it one of the largest rivers in the US by volume.

5. The Snake River has been dammed numerous times for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.

6. The Snake River is a popular recreation destination for rafting, fishing, and hiking.

7. The Snake River has been an important transportation route for centuries, and today it is still used by barges and ships to transport goods.

Facts about the Flag of Idaho

The flag design is comparatively simple.

It consists of the Great Seal of the State of Idaho in the center of a blue background. Directly below the Great Seal is a curved red banner which reads “State of Idaho” in gold block letters.

However the Great Seal symbolically depicts many features of Idaho.

The background to the adoption of the Great Seal and its incorporation into the state flag is also interesting.

The flag itself evolved from earlier regimental flags used by soldiers from the then territory when they fought for the Union in the Civil War. These were fairly simple regimental banners that contained the territory’s name, colors and territorial seal.

Emma Edwards Green was a New York art student who later became an art teacher in Boise. After Idaho became a state in 1890, Emma Edwards Green was invited to submit a design for the State Seal competition. After her design was selected, on May 5, 1891, Edwards was awarded $100 by Governor N. B. Willey.

In 1907, this Great Seal was adapted and put onto the state flag, making Green the only woman to design a state seal.

By depicting a man and woman of equal size and standing next to each other, it epitomized the idea that both women and men had equal rights.

The Great Seal reflects the rich history of Idaho at the time of statehood.

On the left there is an image of a woman who symbolized liberty, equality and freedom. On the right is a miner who depicts Idaho’s mining history.

Between the man and the woman lays a great shield symbolizing the joint protection of Idaho by men and women.

The shield depicts the Snake or Shoshone River, one of Idaho’s mightiest, winding between mountains. The head of an elk rises above the shield.

Edwards-Green cited an Idaho game law which protected animals such as elk and moose. The Seal also depicts agricultural activities – something for which the state is known.

Original designs for the territorial seal prior to statehood included a moon rising over the mountains. This was replaced later by Edwards-Green’s version with a sunrise instead of a moon. She also replaced a figure symbolizing Peace with a miner. The modern version also includes a star, signifying a new state being born and taking its rightful place within the galaxy of the states of the Union.

The original design by Emma Edwards Green was then simplified in 1957. This remains the most current version of the flag.

While being of relatively simple design, the flag represents the state of Idaho well. Each time you look at the flag, you are looking at a snapshot of the earliest days of Idaho statehood and what it meant for its people to be officially part of the Union.

Idaho – quick facts and state symbols