1. In 1890, Idaho was officially admitted as the 43rd state in the United States. This followed years of lobbying and debate, as Idaho had been a territory since 1863.

2. On July 9, 1915, the SS Idahowrecked off the coast of California. The ship had been carrying a cargo of lumber from Oregon and was en route to Los Angeles when it struck a submerged reef. All members of the crew were rescued, but the ship was a total loss.

3. In 1931, the Idaho State Penitentiary was officially opened in Boise. The prison was one of the most notorious in the country, with a long history of violence and abuse. It was closed in 1973 and is now a museum and tourist attraction.

4. On July 9, 1977, a freight train derailment near Kellogg, Idaho resulted in a massive spill of hazardous materials. Over 4,000 gallons of chlorine gas and other chemicals were released into the air, causing widespread panic and evacuations. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the incident highlighted the dangers of transporting hazardous materials by rail.

5. In 1985, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve was expanded to include an additional 404,000 acres of protected land. This area includes lava fields, volcanic craters, and other unique geological formations. Today, the area is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.