Idaho

One of the n.w. States, w. of the Rocky Mts. Its area is 84,800 sq. m. The n. part is made up of an alternation of mountains and narrow valleys, and is densely forested. These mountains extend along the e. border as far s. as the heads of Salmon River, where they attain to great height and are very rugged. The s. portion is in great part a basalt plain, through which the Snake River cuts a shallow cañon. Much of its surface consists of drifting sand, with sagebrush as its only vegetation. Along its s. border this plain is intersected by numerous ranges of mountains, which induce a partial supply of moisture, and the character of the country is somewhat improved. The industries are the mining of precious metals, agriculture, which is pursued in the s.e. part to a considerable extent, and cattle-raising. The capital is Boisé City. Idaho was organized as a Territory in 1863, and admitted in 1890. It is among the least developed of the States, but its resources are now receiving attention. Pop., 1890, 84,385.