Idaho

        The capital of Idaho is Boise. The nickname is the "Gem State." It got its nickname because it is a leader in the mineral business. The United States acquired Idaho in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The first people to settle there were the Mormons in 1860. In the 1860's farmers, miners, and cowboys started to come to the state to strike gold in the great gold rush of the west. The miners finally left because they could not hit gold. The farmers and cowboys stayed and worked the rich fertile ground to form the state of Idaho.

        If you were to visit the state you would be attracted by the fishing and the State Parks. One of these is Hells Canyon National State Park. There is also Sun Valley State Park. Its industry is mainly mining and tourism. Some of the sports and recreation there are baseball, biking, hiking, and water-sports like boating in the lakes and ponds in the state. There is also whitewater rafting down "The River of No Return" (Salmon River).