1. The first railroad arrived in Idaho on May 8, 1869, when the Union Pacific Railroad reached the city of Bear Lake. This event marked the beginning of Idaho's prominence as a transportation hub for the western United States.

2. On May 8, 1937, the Idaho State Capitol Building was officially dedicated. The building, which had been under construction since 1905, is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture and is still the seat of Idaho's government today.

3. Idaho resident and Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street was born on May 8, 1971. Street, who won the downhill skiing event at the 1998 Winter Olympics, is one of the most successful athletes in Idaho history.

4. On May 8, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano erupted in neighboring Washington. The eruption caused widespread damage throughout the region and had a significant impact on Idaho's agriculture and tourism industries.

5. May 8, 2000, marked the day that Idaho's Snake River was designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The Snake River is one of the most important waterways in Idaho, supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life and providing crucial recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.