After a failed federal attempt to split the Idaho Territory between Washington and Nevada, Idaho finally achieved statehood on July 3, 1890, becoming the 43rd state.

Idaho's nickname is "The Gem State" for its abundance of natural resources. More than 72 different kinds of precious and semi-precious stones can be found throughout the state.

Idaho's agricultural sector supplies many products, but the state is best known for its potato crop, which comprises around one-third of the nationwide yield.

With 114 named mountain ranges, Idaho offers endless opportunities to hike, climb, and camp. The state is also home to 9 mountains with an elevation of more than 12,000 feet, which are colloquially known as the "Idaho 12ers."

Adopted as the state bird by the Idaho Legislature in 1931, the mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is one of two bluebird species found in the state. Known for their bright blue plumage, these migratory birds often arrive in Idaho in late February or early March, nest, then migrate south in September or early October.

Due to the long distance between Washington, D.C. and Boise, there was often a lengthy gap between a governor being appointed and his arrival in the territory; four resigned before even arriving.

Older than Vail, Jackson Hole, Aspen or Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley was America's very first winter resort, hosting celebrities, families and skiing fanatics since 1936. Bald Mountain, known to the locals as "Baldy", is the resort's primary ski mountain with approximately 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, more than 60 runs, and 13 ski lifts.

An 1868 article in the Deseret News announced that, "The Indians have a tradition concerning a strange, serpent-like creature inhabiting the waters of Bear Lake. Now, it seems this water devil, as the Indians called it, has again made an appearance. A number of our white settlers declare they have seen it with their own eyes." The article created a stir in Salt Lake City, and within a month, reporters quizzed many Bear Lake residents and found "hardly a person who doubted it."

It borders six states: Montana to the east and northeast, Wyoming to the east, Nevada and Utah to the south, and Washington and Oregon to the west. To the north, it also shares a small portion of the Canadian border with the province of British Columbia.

Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii) is a woody shrub with clusters of white, fragrant flowers (sometimes called mock orange) that grows up to 10 feet tall. The species name (lewisii) honors Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark expedition, who wrote about the plant in his journal.