Idaho became the 43rd state of the Union on July 3, 1890! Its name may have been invented by George M. Willing, who claimed it was a Shoshone word for “gem of the mountains,” so you can also call it The Gem State! Its capital and largest city is Boise! Idaho’s state motto is Esto perpetua, which means “Let it be forever!” This state is famous for potatoes, the Sawtooth Mountains, Bear Lake, Lava Hot Springs, Heart of the Monster, and Craters of the Moon National Monument!