Idaho Territory facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Territory of Idaho
Organized incorporated territory of the United States
1863–1890
Coat of arms of the Idaho Territory (1863–1866)
Capital	Lewiston (1863–1866) Boise (1866–1890)
• Type	Organized incorporated territory
History
• Split from Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington territories	3 March 1863
• Montana Territory split off & land ceded to Dakota Territory	May 28, 1864
• Wyoming Territory formed	July 25, 1868
• Statehood	3 July 1890
Preceded by Succeeded by Washington Territory Dakota Territory Montana Territory Dakota Territory Wyoming Territory Idaho

Seal of the Idaho Territory, 1863–1866

The Territory of Idaho was a special area of the United States that existed from March 3, 1863, to July 3, 1890. On that last date, it officially became the Idaho state we know today. It was an important step in the growth of the American West.

History of Idaho Territory

How Idaho Territory Began

The Idaho Territory was officially created on March 3, 1863. This happened through a law passed by the United States Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Before this, the land was part of other larger territories. These included parts of the Dakota Territory, Nebraska Territory, and Washington Territory.

The new territory was very large. It included all of what is now Idaho and Montana. It also had most of Wyoming, missing only a small southwest corner. Important trails like the Oregon Trail crossed through it. These trails helped many settlers move west.

The first capital city was Lewiston. It served as the capital from 1863 to 1866. After that, Boise became the capital. This change happened by a very close vote.

Early Laws and Settlers

When the territory was first formed, it didn't have its own laws. The laws were finally adopted on January 4, 1864. The American Civil War was happening far away. This meant the Idaho Territory was a relatively peaceful place. This peace encouraged more people to move there.

Changes to the Territory's Size

In 1864, the territory's size changed. The northeastern part became the Montana Territory. Also, a large southeastern area was given to the Dakota Territory.

Later, in 1868, more land was taken from Idaho Territory. The areas east of the 111th meridian became part of the new Wyoming Territory. After these changes, the Idaho Territory had the same borders as the modern state of Idaho.

Politics and Growth

In the late 1860s, many people who supported the Southern states during the Civil War moved to Idaho. These people often disagreed with the governors, who were appointed by the Republican president. This caused some political arguments. However, by 1870, these disagreements became less intense.

The discovery of valuable minerals like gold and silver brought many new people to Idaho. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 also made it easier for people to travel there. Many Chinese workers came to help in the mines. Mining became a very important part of Idaho's economy. By the 1890s, Idaho was a top producer of lead.

Life in the 1870s

Construction on the Idaho Territorial Prison started in 1870. It was finished by 1872. This prison was used by the territory and later the state until 1973. Today, it's a historic site with museums.

Entrance to the Old Penitentiary

Soon after the territory was created, a public school system began. Stagecoach lines were also set up for travel. Newspapers were printed in Lewiston, Boise, and Silver City by 1865. The first telegraph line reached Franklin in 1866. Lewiston got its first telephone call in 1878.

Community and Conflict

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were a large group in Idaho. However, some people in Idaho were suspicious of them. By 1882, some powerful Idahoans managed to stop these church members from voting. This was because of certain practices that were against the law at the time. This situation helped Idaho become a state before Utah, even though Utah had more people and had been settled longer.

Many Chinese immigrants lived in Idaho Territory. From 1869 to 1875, about four thousand Chinese people lived there. They often worked as miners, laundrymen, or cooks. In 1870, almost half the people in Idaho City were Chinese.

A conflict called the Nez Perce War happened in 1877. It started in north-central Idaho Territory and ended a few months later in eastern Montana.

The Path to Statehood in the 1880s

After the capital moved to Boise, some people wanted to split the territory. There were ideas to give northern Idaho back to Washington Territory. In 1887, Congress tried to pass a bill to do this. However, President Grover Cleveland did not sign it. He likely did this as a favor to Governor Edward A. Stevenson. Other states like Nevada and Utah also showed interest in taking parts of southern Idaho.

In 1889, the University of Idaho was built in Moscow, a town in northern Idaho. It was originally planned for Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls) in the south. This decision helped ease some of the hard feelings that northern Idaho residents had about losing the capital.

Finally, on July 3, 1890, the Idaho Territory officially became the State of Idaho.

Territorial Changes Over Time

• 

  Old Washington Territory and the parts given to Nebraska Territory in 1861, and to Idaho Territory in 1863.

• 

  The Idaho Territory in 1863.

• 

  Areas given to the Montana and Dakota Territories in 1864.

• 

  The Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming Territories in 1868.

See also

In Spanish: Territorio de Idaho para niños