August 8 is an important day in the history of Idaho. Here are 5 interesting facts about this day.

1. Idaho became a state on August 8, 1890
On this day, Idaho officially became the 43rd state of the United States. The day is celebrated as Idaho Statehood Day and is a public holiday for the residents of Idaho.

2. The Teton Dam collapsed on August 8, 1976
The Teton Dam was built on the Teton River in southeastern Idaho to provide irrigation water and produce hydroelectric power. However, just two years after it was completed, the dam failed catastrophically, causing the deaths of 11 people and extensive damage to property.

3. The Yellowstone National Park was established on August 8, 1872
Yellowstone National Park is located in the neighboring state of Wyoming, but it has significant ties to Idaho. The park's eastern entrance is located in Cody, Wyoming, which is just across the border from Yellowstone. The park is known for its geothermal features, including Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the world.

4. The Idaho National Laboratory was established on August 8, 1949
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is a nuclear research facility located in eastern Idaho. It was originally established as the National Reactor Testing Station and played a critical role in the development of nuclear power. Today, the INL is involved in a wide range of research and development projects related to energy, national security, and the environment.

5. The first potato was planted in Idaho on August 8, 1836
Idaho is known as the "Potato State" because of its long history of potato farming. The first potato in Idaho was planted by a fur trader named Henry Harmon Spalding near Lapwai, Idaho, on August 8, 1836. Today, Idaho produces more than one-third of the total potato crop in the United States.