1. In 1914, the National Park Service officially took control of the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. The volcanic landscape and unique formations of the park have made it a popular tourist destination.

2. On August 4, 1956, Idaho Senator Frank Church gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, calling for the integration of public schools and an end to segregation. Church went on to serve in the Senate for 24 years, and was known for his focus on civil rights, environmental conservation, and government transparency.

3. In 1995, the first World Potato Congress was held in Boise, Idaho. The event was organized to promote the potato industry, and brought together farmers, scientists, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the latest innovations and trends in potato farming and processing.

4. On this day in 2007, the Boise State Broncos football team unveiled a new blue field at their stadium, now known as Albertsons Stadium. The striking blue turf, which was controversial at the time, has since become an iconic feature of the university and the sport of college football.

5. Idaho astronaut Steve Swanson, who grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, was launched into space on August 4, 2007, on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Swanson went on to serve as commander of the International Space Station and has spent a total of 196 days in space over the course of his career.