1. Idaho officially became a state on August 13, 1890, making it the 43rd state in the United States. This date is now celebrated annually as Idaho Statehood Day.

2. In 1877, the Nez Perce War came to a close with the Battle of Bear Paw, which took place on August 13. The Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph, were surrounded by the U.S. Army and forced to surrender, ending their attempt to flee to Canada.

3. The Idaho State Penitentiary, located in Boise, opened its doors on August 13, 1872. The prison became famous for its harsh conditions and use of the death penalty, which was abolished in Idaho in 2019.

4. On August 13, 1902, the first Sawtooth Forest Reserve was established in Idaho. This designation provided greater protection for the area's natural resources and helped establish Idaho's reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation.

5. In 1988, parts of eastern Idaho were struck by a massive wildfire, known as the Yellowstone Fires, which ultimately burned over 1.2 million acres across three states. August 13 marked the day that the fire grew to over 150,000 acres, and it continued to burn for several weeks thereafter.