Idaho Education
Because Idaho is a rugged land composed mostly of relatively unpopulated
areas, many of the state's educational and cultural institutions are
concentrated in the state's major cities, especially in the capital
city, Boise.
Education
The first school in Idaho, established in the 1830s, was a missionary
school for Native Americans. In 1864 the territorial legislature created
the post of superintendent of instruction, thus laying the foundation
for a statewide public school system. In the late 1980s Idaho contained
574 public elementary and secondary schools with a combined annual
enrollment of about 156,600 elementary pupils and 58,300 secondary
students. In the same period Idaho had 11 institutions of higher
education that had a combined enrollment of approximately 49,000
students. Among the most notable of these schools were the University of
Idaho (1889) in Moscow; Boise State University (1932) in Boise; the
Albertson College of Idaho (1891) in Caldwell; and Idaho State
University (1901) in Pocatello.
Idaho, one of the Mountain states of the United States, bounded on the
north by British Columbia; on the east by Montana and Wyoming; on the
south by Utah and Nevada; and on the west by Oregon and Washington. Part
of the eastern boundary of Idaho is formed by the Continental Divide
(the crest of the Rocky Mountains). The Snake River forms part of the
western boundary of the state.
Idaho entered the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state. Idaho has
traditionally been known for its agricultural, forest, and mineral
resources. By the 1990s, however, services and manufacturing had
supplanted agriculture as the state's leading economic sectors. Tourism
is increasingly important to the economy; many visitors are lured to
Idaho each year by the unspoiled beauty of the mountain wilderness
areas. The name of the state was coined in 1860 by George M. Willing, an
un-successful candidate for congressional delegate from the mining
region of Pikes Peak. Idaho's nickname is the Gem State.
Land and Resources
Idaho, with an area of 216,456 sq km (83,574 sq mi), is the 14th largest
state in the United States; 60.6 percent of the land is owned by the
federal government. The state is roughly triangular in shape, and its
extreme dimensions are about 772 km (about 480 mi) from north to south
and about 499 km (about 310 mi) from east to west. Its elevations range
from 216 m (710 ft) along the Snake River at Lewiston to 3859 m (12,662
ft) atop Borah Peak. The approximate mean elevation is 1524 m (5000 ft).
Physical Geography
Nearly the entire northern two-thirds of the state is occupied by the
Rocky Mountains. This region contains some of the most rugged terrain in
the entire Rocky Mountain system. In general, the summit elevations of
the many ranges decrease to the northwest from the crest of the
Bitterroot Range on the Montana border. This region, composed primarily
of geologically young granitic rocks, is noted for its vast tracts of
forestland.
The Columbia Plateau area occupies much of the southern third of the
state as well as the western border north to Coeur d'Alene. The plateau
was formed by the accumulation of many lava flows, and the soils that
formed on it (reddish, volcanic aridisols) are fertile. The Snake River
traverses this region, and its relatively broad plain forms Idaho's
agricultural heartland.
In the southeastern part of the state lies a portion of the Great Basin.
This region contains a few parallel ranges separated by valleys.
Relatively fertile soils (mollisols) have formed on the semiarid grass-
and sagebrush-covered land of this region.
Rivers and Lakes
Idaho's principal stream is the Snake River, which, along with its major
tributaries—the Clearwater, Salmon, Payette, and Boise—drains the
southern and central parts of the state. The swift-flowing tributaries
carry water from the mountains to the drier plains. Many of these rivers
flow through canyons, the most impressive of which is the deep Hells
Canyon of the Snake River. The Kootenai, Pend Oreille, and Spokane
rivers drain the northern part of the state. Numerous natural lakes are
found in the northern, mountainous part of the state; Lake Pend Oreille
and Coeur d'Alene are the largest. Large artificial lakes have been
created on the Snake River and its tributaries. These include Dworshak,
Cascade, Palisades, Arrowrock, and American Falls reservoirs.
Climate
In spite of its distance from the Pacific Ocean, Idaho has a climate
that is influenced by maritime air. Moisture-bearing winds drop as much
as 1270 mm (50 in) of precipitation on the higher western slopes of the
Rockies, mostly as snow in winter. The Snake River plain and the Basin
and Range region are much drier, many areas receiving less than 254 mm
(less than 10 in) of precipitation a year. The moderating effects of
maritime air cause average winter temperatures to be warmer and summer
temperatures cooler than in the Great Plains states to the east. The
state's average annual temperature is 7.8° C (46° F). The recorded
temperature has ranged from -51.1° C (-60° F) in 1943 to 47.8° C (118°
F) in 1934.
Plants and Animals
Forests cover about 45 percent of the total land area of Idaho; more
than three-fifths of this is of commercial value. The state is known for
its fine coniferous forests (especially of western white pine), found
mainly in the mountainous regions. Western yellow pine and Douglas fir
grow at the lower elevations, giving way to larch and western white pine
and, at the highest elevations, spruce and fir. The drier Snake River
plain, which is now dominated by irrigated farmland, was once
sagebrush-covered. The Great Basin area supports a vegetation of piñon-juniper
woodlands and sagebrush. Fauna in the mountain zone includes Virginia
and mule deer, elk (wapiti), mountain sheep, mountain goats, black
bears, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, jays, and hawks. Also found in the
state are mountain lions, coyotes, rabbits, and badgers. Hawks and
eagles are found in the Snake River gorges, and migrating waterfowl are
common on the Snake River plain. Salmon (in the Salmon River) and trout
(notably steelhead) are Idaho's major sport fish. Sturgeon are taken in
the Snake River.
Mineral Resources
Idaho is rich in mineral resources. The major deposits are concentrated
in two areas: the Coeur d'Alene district in the northern panhandle,
which produces silver, zinc, and lead; and the southeastern Great Basin
region, which produces significant amounts of phosphate rock, one of the
state's most valuable mineral products. Other mineral resources include
gold, antimony, garnet, molybdenum, and copper.
Population
According to the 1990 census, Idaho had 1,006,749 inhabitants, an
increase of 6.7 percent over 1980. The average population density in
1990 was about 5 persons per sq km (about 12 per sq mi). Whites made up
94.4 percent of the population and blacks 0.3 percent; additional
population groups included 13,594 Native Americans and 2719 persons of
Japanese descent. About 52,900 persons were of Hispanic, mainly Mexican,
origin. Among the principal Native American groups were the Nez Perce
and Shoshone. Mormons formed the largest religious group in the state
(30.5 percent), followed by Roman Catholics (11.5 percent). Idaho is one
of the least urbanized states in the nation. In 1990 about 57 percent of
Idaho's residents lived in areas defined as urban, and the rest lived in
rural areas. The state has no large metropolitan centers; the largest
cities were Boise, the capital; Pocatello; Idaho Falls; Nampa; Lewiston;
and Twin Falls.
Cultural Institutions
There are more than 70 cultural institutions in the state. Among them
are the Boise Art Museum and the Idaho State Historical Society, both in
Boise; the Idaho Museum of Natural History in Pocatello; and the
University of Idaho Museum in Moscow. Of special interest are the Latah
County Museum, a local history museum in Moscow, and the Herrett Museum
in Twin Falls, with collections featuring the art of North, Central, and
South America, as well as artifacts of Idaho's Native Americans.
Symphony orchestras are supported by Boise and Idaho Falls.
Historical Sites
For the most part, Idaho's historical sites are found along the trails
that pioneers used on their westward migrations: the Oregon Trail, the
route of the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806), and the Mullan
Road. Found in the state are a number of old mining settlements and
ghost towns such as Idaho City, Bonanza, Custer, and Silver City. Nez
Percé National Historical Park, near Lewiston, contains Saint Joseph's
Mission and Fort Lapwai. Idaho's two national monuments are Craters of
the Moon National Monument, near Arco and Hagerman Fossil Bed. Hells
Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, and Shoshone Falls, which
tumbles 65 m (212 ft)—15.9 m (52 ft) farther than Niagara Falls—are both
located on the Snake River.
Sports and Recreation
Idaho's mountains, lakes and streams, and extensive wilderness areas
make it a haven for outdoor activities such as skiing, hunting, camping,
hiking, boating, and fishing. Principal ski areas include Silver Horn,
near Kellogg; Schweitzer Basin, near Sandpoint; and Sun Valley, opened
in 1936 by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Communications
In the early 1990s, Idaho's communications system included 45 AM and 50
FM radio broadcasting stations and 16 television stations. The first
radio station in the state, KFAU in Boise, was licensed in 1922, and the
first television station, KIDO in Boise, began operation in 1953. The
Golden Age, Idaho's first newspaper, began publication in Lewiston in
1862. In the early 1990s, Idaho had 12 daily newspapers with a total
daily circulation of about 208,800. Among the state's influential
newspapers were Boise's Idaho Statesman, Lewiston's Morning Tribune,
Idaho Falls's Post Register, and Twin Falls's Times-News.
Government and Politics
Idaho is governed under its original constitution, adopted in 1889 and
put into effect upon achieving statehood in 1890, as amended. An
amendment to the constitution may be proposed by the state legislature
or by a constitutional convention. To become effective, it must be
approved by a majority of the people voting on the issue in an election.
Executive
The chief executive of Idaho is a governor who is popularly elected to a
four-year term. The constitution does not limit the number of terms a
governor or lieutenant governor may serve. The latter succeeds the
governor should he or she resign, die, or be removed from office. Other
elected executive officers are the secretary of state, attorney general,
treasurer, auditor, and superintendent of public instruction.
Legislature
The bicameral Idaho legislature comprises a senate and a house of
representatives. The 42 members of the senate and the 84 members of the
house are popularly elected to two-year terms. Special sessions of the
legislature may be called by the governor.
Judiciary
Idaho's highest court, the supreme court, is made up of a chief justice
and four associate judges, all of whom serve six-year terms. The court
of appeals includes three judges, also serving six-year terms. The major
trial courts, the district courts, have a total of 33 judges, each
serving a four-year term. Supreme court, court of appeals, and district
court judges are initially nominated by the Idaho Judicial Council and
then appointed by the governor; for successive terms they are elected on
nonpartisan ballots.
Local Government
Idaho is divided into 44 counties, each governed by a board of county
commissioners. Other county officials include the sheriff, assessor,
prosecuting attorney, coroner, treasurer, and clerk of the district
court. Cities have either mayor-council or commission forms of
government.
National Representation
Idaho elects two senators and two representatives to the Congress of the
United States. The state has four electoral votes in presidential
elections.
Politics
Idaho's leading political figure was William E. Borah, a Republican who
represented the state in the United States Senate from 1907 until his
death in 1940. In presidential elections Idaho has usually voted
Republican. Democrats have held the governorship since 1971, while
Republicans have controlled the legislature.
Economy
During the 19th century, farming and livestock raising dominated the
economy of Idaho; forestry and mining were other important sources of
income. Since the mid-20th century, tourism and industry have grown
rapidly. In the 1970s manufacturing surpassed agriculture in the value
of goods produced. Approximately 57 percent of the annual gross state
product is now derived from the government and service sectors. Farming
and ranching still provide important revenue, especially outside the
major urban centers. The mining and forestry industries remain major
employers, especially in the northern part of the state.
Agriculture
Agriculture accounts for about 10 percent of the annual gross state
product in Idaho. The state has some 21,400 farms, which average 255
hectares (631 acres) in size. The principal agricultural products are
potatoes, beef cattle, hay, wheat, milk, barley, and sugar beets.
Livestock and livestock products account for over 35 percent of annual
agricultural income. Cattle, sheep, and pigs are raised primarily on the
southern plain. Idaho typically ranks first nationally in potato
production and is usually third as a producer of sugar beets. Most
cropland is located in southern Idaho on the fertile Snake River plain.
Here, because of the semiarid climate, crops are generally grown under
irrigation; more than 1.3 million hectares (more than 3.2 million acres)
of Idaho's farmland are irrigated.
Forestry
Forestry is an important industry, especially in the northern part of
Idaho. Most of the timber harvested is softwood; Douglas fir, ponderosa
pine, white fir, and white pine are the principal commercial species.
Mining
Mining accounts for about 1 percent of the annual gross state product in
Idaho. The state usually ranks among U.S. leaders in yearly silver,
antimony, vanadium, and garnet production and is among the nation's
principal sources of phosphates, lead, gold, and zinc. Copper,
molybdenum, and construction materials are also produced. Most silver is
mined in northern Idaho; phosphate production is predominantly in the
southeast.
Manufacturing
Enterprises engaged in manufacturing account for about 18 percent of the
annual gross state product in Idaho and employ some 61,000 workers.
Manufacturing is based largely on processing of the state's natural
resources and agricultural products. Leading industries are food
processing and the manufacturing of lumber and wood products, chemicals
(notably fertilizers), nonelectric machinery, and paper goods. Over the
last decade, the electronics industry has also established an important
foothold in the state's economy. Most of the wood-product industries are
located in the northern two-thirds of the state. Most other industrial
activities are concentrated in the Boise area or in the larger towns of
eastern Idaho.
Tourism
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of Idaho's economy. Each
year some 6 million visitors produce more than $600 million for the
state economy. Alpine and nordic skiing are possible at many locations,
including the world-famous Sun Valley resort. Federal agencies,
including the Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau
of Land Management, administer the national forests, wilderness areas,
and public lands of Idaho that attract many visitors each year. Idaho
maintains a system of 22 state parks.
Transportation
Southern Idaho's transportation network was developed at an early date,
since the Snake River valley provided the easiest overland route to the
Pacific Northwest. Rugged mountains, deep canyons, and the remoteness of
the country made early road construction difficult in other areas, and
it was not until the 1930s that the southern plains were first
effectively linked with the country north of the Salmon River. Federal,
state, and local roads total about 100,490 km (about 62,440 mi);
however, few paved roads penetrate the central mountain region.
Interstate highways, spanning 985 km (612 mi), are mostly located on the
southern plains. Railroads entered the region in the 1870s; today's
Class I rail lines operate 3343 km (2077 mi) of track. Idaho has 181
airports, 26 heliports, and four seaplane bases. Lewiston, near Idaho's
border with the state of Washington, is a port on the Snake-Columbia
River system. Vessels with a maximum draft of 5 m (17 ft) can travel
this waterway between the Pacific coast and northern Idaho.
Energy
Electricity generating plants in Idaho have a total capacity of about
2.3 million kilowatts and produce some 8.6 billion kilowatt-hours of
electricity each year. Virtually all this energy is derived from
hydroelectric sources. Development of the state's ample hydroelectric
potential began in the late 19th century. The Snake River in the south
and the Pend Oreille River in the north provide most of the major sites
for hydroelectric power installations. Also notable is the Dworshak Dam
on the North Fork of the Clearwater River.
History
The region occupied by present-day Idaho was originally part of the
Oregon Country, a vast tract claimed during the first quarter of the
19th century by the United States, Great Britain, Spain, and Russia.
Native American peoples indigenous to the area included the Shoshone,
Bannock, Nez Percé, Pend d'Oreille, and Kutenai. The first white
explorers of the region were the Americans Meriwether Lewis and William
Clark in 1805 and 1806. Fur traders for the British North-West Company
entered Idaho in 1809 and constructed a trading post on Lake Pend
Oreille. In 1810 the American Missouri Fur Company established a trading
post on a branch of the Snake River; the next year John Jacob Astor,
head of the American Fur Company, sent an expedition through the Idaho
region to the mouth of the Columbia River. The British assumed complete
control during the War of 1812, but in 1818 Great Britain and the United
States adopted an agreement providing for joint occupation of the
region. Spain and Russia relinquished their claims to the Oregon Country
in 1819 and 1824, respectively. American trading activity in Idaho was
expanded with the construction in 1834 of Fort Hall, near Pocatello.
British and American commercial rivalry in the Oregon Country was
resolved in 1846, when Great Britain and the United States concluded a
treaty recognizing American jurisdiction over the entire region south of
the 49th parallel. Two years later Idaho was made part of the newly
organized Oregon Territory; the section north of latitude 46° North was
attached to Washington Territory in 1853.
Large-scale immigration to Idaho began in 1861, following the discovery
of gold on a tributary of the Clearwater River. On March 4, 1863, the
United States government constituted the region consisting of
present-day Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana and parts of South Dakota, North
Dakota, and Nebraska as Idaho Territory. With the formation of Montana
Territory in 1864 and Wyoming Territory in 1868, Idaho acquired its
present boundaries.
The territorial economy expanded steadily during the 1870s and 1880s.
Livestock raising became a major industry, railroads were constructed,
and new, rich mineral deposits were discovered. Between 1870 and 1880
various Native American tribes, resentful of encroachments on their
ancestral domains, attacked settlements in Idaho Territory. Federal
troops suppressed the uprisings, and the Native Americans were
ultimately confined to reservations. On July 3, 1890, Idaho became the
43rd state of the Union.
Already a leading silver state, Idaho began to develop a major
commercial lumber industry at this time. Federal irrigation projects
turned large desert tracts into arable land, creating an agricultural
boom during World War I (1914-1918). During World War II (1939-1945)
Idaho produced large quantities of food for the armed services.
Although agriculture has remained central to Idaho's economy, a
post-World War II population shift from rural to urban areas reflected
Idaho's industrial expansion. In 1951 a nuclear reactor testing station
near Idaho Falls generated electricity from atomic power for the first
time in history. By the mid-1970s this station had become an important
national engineering laboratory under the jurisdiction of the United
States Department of Energy.
Meanwhile, because of the popularity of mountain regions such as Sun
Valley, Idaho experienced a boom in tourist business that continued into
the 1990s and prompted a concentrated effort to develop new vacation
sites.