Idaho Statehood: July 3, 1890 — The 43rd Star

Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, becoming the 43rd state. The date is celebrated annually as Idaho Day (state holiday since 2014).

Path to Statehood

• 1805: Lewis & Clark cross Lemhi Pass (first Americans in present-day Idaho).
• 1846: Oregon Treaty sets 49th parallel; Idaho country becomes undisputed US.
• 1860: Gold strikes (Pierce, Orofino, Boise Basin) → rush, towns, territorial push.
• 1863: Idaho Territory created (from Washington, Dakota, Nebraska territories); capital at Lewiston, moved to Boise 1865.
• 1880s: Railroads (Union Pacific, Northern Pacific) link mines, farms, timber to markets.
• 1889: Constitutional convention in Boise; constitution ratified by voters.
• July 3, 1890: President Benjamin Harrison signs proclamation.

State Symbols Adopted Later

• Bird: Mountain Bluebird (1931)
• Flower: Syringa (Mock Orange) (1931)
• Tree: Western White Pine (1935)
• Gem: Star Garnet (1967)
• Motto: Esto Perpetua ("Let it be perpetual")

Why July 3?

Congress passed the Idaho Admission Act July 3; Harrison signed it that day. (Wyoming followed July 10 as #44.) Idaho's constitution—still in force, amended 100+ times—was notably progressive: women's suffrage (1896), initiative/referendum, recall.