Today in a special encore presentation from Idaho Matters, we take a deep dive into the history of racism in the Gem State and what that history tells us about our present day reckoning with white supremacy. Apart from the “gem state,” another nickname for Idaho is “The land of Famous Potatoes,” a name given in response to the state’s famous Idaho potatoes. “Idaho” doesn’t come from anywhere other than his imagination, and it doesn’t mean anything. Willing claimed that the name was derived from a Shoshoneterm meaning "the sun comes from the mountains" or "gem of the mountains", but it was revealed later that there was no such term and Willing claimed that he had been i… These pieces make great souvenirs for Idaho visitors who also love special jewelry. How apropos that the Gold Country will join with the Gem State. From BLT, the blog for Lifestyle & Travel:"The word 'Idaho' means 'gem of the mountains' in the language of the Shoshone Native Americans. That’s why we love getting to know everything we can about the great state of Idaho. The state motto of Idaho is the Latin phrase Esto perpertua, which means “Let it be Perpertual.” This motto can be found on the state seal, flag and quarter. Willing had told Congress that Idaho was a Shoshone Indian word that translated to “Gem of The Mountain.” All State Nicknames. Another feature that makes the term “gem state” most apt is the fact that Idaho is the topmost silver mining state in the United States. The county was named after a steamship named Idaho, which was launched on the Columbia River in 1860. Log in. Idaho is known as the "Gem State" because the only other location on the planet which has a greater variety of gems is Africa. Idaho County Map. A scroll underneath the seal contains the words State of Idaho,” while three edges of the flag are bordered by a gold band. Still, the name Idaho stuck and another territory was eventually bestowed with the name in 1863 by Congress. It has a land area of 205,671. Hidden Gems in Every State. Idaho geology and topography map courtesy of USGS: A Tapestry of Time and Terrain. Discover why Idaho is called "The Gem State" and what geological forces were involved in the formation of gemstones. The star garnet was designated the official state stone or gem of Idaho in 1967. In the early 1860s, when the U.S. Congress was considering organizing a new territory in the Rocky Mountains, the name "Idaho" was suggested by George M. Willing, a politician posing as an unrecognized delegate from the unofficial Jefferson Territory. Others are caused by the Idaho weirdo gene, which scientists suspect is … The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Idaho has the 16th highest seven-day average of new cases per 100,000. Willing had told Congress that Idaho was a Shoshone Indian word that translated to “Gem of The Mountain.” It was eventually discovered that Mr. If you’re a longtime resident of the Gem State, you probably think you know all there is to know about our state. It's only found in abundance in two places in the world: Idaho and India. One of them is the star garnet. More than 72 different kinds of precious and semi-precious stones can be found throughout the state, particularly in mining sites and stream beds. The name is generally assumed to be an adaptation of an Indian word from one of the northwest tongues signifying either gem of the mountains" or "sunrise." The same year Congress created Colorado Territory, a county called Idaho County was created in eastern Washington Territory. Little Ida Shoshone Falls plunges down rugged cliffs from a height greater than that of Niagara Falls. Some of the Gem State’s embarrassing acts are driven by misguided ideological beliefs. This nickname for Idaho grew from the meaning George M. Willing gave to the word when he made up the name. In fact, this is exactly why we love our state so much. Idaho's nickname is "The Gem State" for the abundance of natural resources and scenic areas that include snow-capped mountain ranges, rapids, vast lakes and steep canyons. The mountains of Idaho contain veins of gold, silver, lead, zinc, cobalt, copper, and many other rare minerals. Willing told Congress that Idaho was an Indian word meaning "Gem of the Mountains." Why Is Louisiana Called the Pelican State? Though Idaho's two biggest Democratic names in history, Cecil Andrus and Frank Church, are legendary here in Idaho and in Washington, the Gem State has … Ask your question. Source | Reference Links | Additional Resources, State Symbols; Kids Brochure (pdf): visitidaho.org, Geology of Idaho: Idaho Public Television, 150 Things that Make the Gem State Unique: Idaho State Historical Society. 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