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Present day Idaho was once populated by Native peoples such as the Nez Perce, Bannock, Shoshone, and other tribes. By 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived to Oregon country, which contained part of modern Idaho. Fur traders from many locales arrived shortly after this.
In 1846, the United States gained control of Oregon country from Great Britain. The early 1860’s experienced the discovery of gold in the region, and the subsequent population growth led to the formation of Idaho Territory in 1863. As a result of the settlers’ arrival, tensions erupted with the Native peoples, leading to revolts; ultimately the U.S. government forced these peoples to live on reservations. On July 3, 1890, Idaho became a U.S. state.
Mining booms came and went in Idaho, both for gold and for vast amounts of silver. Logging and agriculture gained prominence by the turn of the twentieth century. Idaho’s impressive hydroelectric resources began to add to the state’s resources by the 1950’s. Idaho also gained attention by hosting Arco, the first town in the U.S. to be powered by nuclear energy.
The 1980’s brought recession to the state, following grasshopper infestation and drought. This led to the decline in economic prominence of Idaho’s farms. The Gem State began to diversify its economy, gaining ground in technology and tourism, and became attractive for winter sports enthusiasts.
Idaho is also known for its famous inhabitants. Among these notable Idahoans are actress Lana Turner, skier Picabo Street, poet Ezra Pound, Senators Frank F. Church and Fred Dubois, and industrialist J. R. Simplot.
Today, the Gem State offers more than its fascinating heritage and diverse landscape. Idaho is poised to venture further into the realms of biotechnology and life science research, a new frontier for the Gem State. Success for Idaho’s bright future seems assured to follow the state motto, to be perpetual.
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