Idaho

1. Idaho is known as the Potato State, but it wasn’t originally called Idaho: Idaho is famous for its potatoes, but the name “Idaho” was actually made up. It was initially thought to mean Gem of the Mountains, but it’s now believed to have been completely invented.
2. Idaho has a town called Beer Bottle Crossing: Located in Adams County, the town got its unique name from cowboys who used beer bottles to mark a creek crossing during cattle drives.
3. The world’s first chairlift was built in Idaho: Sun Valley, Idaho, became the first place in the world to have a ski chairlift in 1936. The invention revolutionized skiing and made it a more popular sport worldwide.
4. You can find a giant replica of a potato on wheels: The Big Idaho Potato is a six-ton, 28-foot-long potato sculpture mounted on a flatbed truck. It travels the country as a promotional tool for Idaho’s potato industry.
5. Idaho has more hot springs than any other state: Idaho boasts over 130 soakable hot springs. Many of these natural geothermal pools are located in scenic, remote areas, offering relaxation and stunning views.
6. Idaho’s Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon: Hells Canyon, located along the Idaho-Oregon border, is the deepest river gorge in North America, reaching a depth of 7,993 feet—much deeper than the Grand Canyon.
7. The longest boardwalk in the world is in Idaho: Coeur d’Alene is home to the world’s longest floating boardwalk. It stretches for over 3,300 feet and offers beautiful views of Coeur d’Alene Lake.
8. Idaho is home to a town named Atomic City: Atomic City got its name after becoming the site of one of the world’s first nuclear power plant accidents in 1961. Though tiny and mostly abandoned today, its name still hints at its unique past.
9. Idaho is the only state with a legal diamond mine: While not a major diamond-producing state, Idaho’s Spencer Opal Mine allows visitors to dig for gems. It’s known more for opals, but diamonds have been found here.
10. Idaho has a secret naval base… in the mountains: Despite being a landlocked state, Idaho is home to the Naval Reactors Facility near Arco. This base was used for testing nuclear submarine reactors and is still in operation.

Famous Men

1. Aaron Paul (1979–): Born in Emmett, Idaho, Aaron Paul is an Emmy Award-winning actor best known for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the hit TV series Breaking Bad. His performance gained him critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
2. Harmon Killebrew (1936–2011): Born in Payette, Idaho, Harmon Killebrew was a Hall of Fame Major League Baseball player. Known for his power hitting, he became one of the most successful home run hitters in baseball history.
3. Ezra Pound (1885–1972): Born in Hailey, Idaho, Ezra Pound was a famous poet and literary critic. He was one of the leading figures of the early modernist movement in poetry and influenced many 20th-century writers.
4. Joe Albertson (1906–1993): Born in Boise, Idaho, Joe Albertson was the founder of the Albertsons supermarket chain. His business grew into one of the largest grocery chains in the United States.
5. Dirk Kempthorne (1951–): Born in San Diego, California, but raised in Idaho, Dirk Kempthorne is a politician who served as the 49th governor of Idaho and later as U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President George W. Bush.

Famous Women

1. Sacagawea (1788–1812): While born in the Lemhi Valley of present-day Idaho, Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition as a translator and guide. Her contributions helped the expedition succeed.
2. Carol Ryrie Brink (1895–1981): Born in Moscow, Idaho, Carol Ryrie Brink was an author best known for her novel Caddie Woodlawn, which won the Newbery Medal. Her books are celebrated for their depiction of pioneer life.
3. Phyllis Brooks (1915–1995): Born in Boise, Idaho, Phyllis Brooks was an actress and model known for her roles in films during the 1930s and 1940s. She was also famously involved in World War II USO tours.
4. Kristine Sutherland (1955–): Born in Boise, Idaho, Kristine Sutherland is an actress best known for her role as Joyce Summers, Buffy’s mother, on the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her role became a beloved part of the series.
5. Myrna Loy (1905–1993): Born in Helena, Montana, and raised in Radersburg, Idaho, Myrna Loy became one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses. She starred in films such as The Thin Man series and was known for her roles in classic comedies and dramas.