Idaho Travel Guide
Idaho is the 43rd state and was formed on 3 July 1890. In regards to the name of the state, there is a beautiful legend that tells that the word comes from the Indian phrase «E Dah Hoe», which supposedly means «mountain gem». Unfortunately though, it is not. Idaho is actually an artificial name attributed to George M. Willing in 1860 who interpreted a phrase from Shoshone Indian language meaning "sun sparkles coming down from the mountain". However a more plausible rendition came from the Coeur d'Alenes Indian tribe who said "Ah-de-Hoo" which is interpreted as - we greet you with open arms but are surprised at your large numbers!" Idaho today takes on the meaning of a genuine spirit of hospitality - all visitors are welcome (despite their large numbers)!
The state's economy is based on agriculture (the growing of cattle, barley and potatoes), but also the industry is well developed (the extraction of silver and other minerals, chemicals, food, wood). Idaho also has a major group of information technology chip designers and manufacturers.
The symbols are the Idaho white pine and mountain bluebird (a small songbird with a blue back and the chestnut breast and neck.)
The state has a very interesting and informative flag. It is full of hidden meaning. The blue background and the printing of the female symbolizes freedom, equality, and (no, not the brotherhood - it's a woman) and justice. It has a male hard rock miner. Pictures depict the major industries: forestry, agriculture and mining. A horn of plenty symbolizes wealth, and the head of an elk - wildlife. The words «Esto perpetua» (let it be forever), and the words «State of Idaho» are printed in capital on the state flag. This is a work of art and was adopted as the flag state in 1907.
The capital of Idaho is the city of Boise. The major cities are Napa, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Coeur d'Alene, and others. In Idaho there is a city of Moscow, a sister city of Moscow, Russia.
What to see
Lovers of potatoes - The potato is the most important crop of Idaho, so a lot of attention is paid to it. There is The Idaho Potato Commission - the state organization, which collects the tax from potatoes grown in the state (10 cents per 100 pounds). For the money the Commission conducts market research, advertising campaigns and strongly contributes to the advancement of Idaho potatoes to the world market like inventing all sorts of various potato chips. In 2004, the Organization has turned 67 years old! It also operates in the Idaho potato lovers Society, which fights against the diets with low carbohydrate content and the site where you can find an incredible number of dishes from the vegetables (with pictures and counting calories). So if the visit is to Idaho, you can participate in various activities on potato (fairs, festivals, etc.).
Capital - In the state capital, Boise, you will find many museums and parks. Boise is still called the city of trees (despite high plains without trees surrounding it), and in the heart of the city flows a river. You can visit: Idaho Military History Museum (Museum of Military History), Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, Idaho Black History Museum (a museum devoted to the films with the participation of African Americans and African Americans in cinema history), the World Center for Birds of Prey (for the zoo birds of prey), and other attractions.
Major museums:
The Herrett Center for Arts and Sciences is a large museum with a collection of anthropological treasures. It tells about the indigenous population in Central, North and South America. The museum has an interesting collection of stone tools and a modern planetariums. It is located in the city of Twin Falls.
Idaho Museum of Natural History - Geology, flora and fauna of the state, as well as traveling exhibitions. This museum is located in the city of Pocatello.
Warhawk Air Museum - located in Napa. In the museum, you can find two permanent exhibits: one devoted to the Second World War, the other, the history of aviation from the era of the first aircraft to fly into space.
Geological features include Hells Gate in the Grand Canyon on the Snake River and the Craters of the Moon. Lava now flows where American astronauts trained for their first moon landing mission.