Idaho

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points is deeply indented. The climate is dry in summer. More than 40per cent of Idaho, particularly in the north and center, is covered with coniferous forests.

History In 1805 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark traveled through the territory that is now Idaho and opened it up to white settlement. Originally part of the neutral territory of Oregon, it passed in 1846 into the possession of the United States. Large numbers of settlers heading for the northwest coast passed through the area, in which regular settlement began only in 1860. An independent territory from 1863, it was the scene in 1877 and 1879 of fierce fighting between whites and Indians, culminating in the flight of the Nez Perce Indians led by Chief Joseph. On July 3rd 1890 Idaho joined the Union as the 43rd state.

The main element in the economy of Idaho is agriculture. In the mountainous parts of the state sheep and cattle are reared and on the irrigated Snake River Plains fodder plants, grain, vegetables, fruit and potatoes - Idaho is the largest potato producer in the United States, a fact proudly proclaimed on every numberplate ("Land of Famous Potatoes"). Agriculture and the huge areas of forest provide the raw materials for the foodstuffs and woodworking industries. The mining district of Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho has the United States' richest reserves of silver, zinc and lead ores. Tourism also makes a major contribution to Idaho's economy, thanks to its beautiful forests and lakes and the winter sports centers of which Sun Valley and Schweitzer are the largest.

The little town of Blackfoot in the south east, one of the main centers in the potato-growing area, hosts the World Potato Exhibition.

In the center of the state's capital Boise, originally a French foundation, is the State Capitol. Other features of interest are the Ann Morrison Memorial Park, the romantic Platt Gardens and above all the Julia Davis Park, in which are the Zoo, the State Historical Museum and the Boise Art Museum.

Of particular interest is the Basque Museum and Cultural Center - Boise has the largest Basque community in the United States. Outside the town to the south is the World Center for Birds of Prey.