Idaho's long and somewhat undocumented "New Frontier" history means that our great state still has large portions of its past that are shrouded in mystery, with many of its secrets, happenings, and even beloved pastimes falling victim to the passage of time. But as the center of a number of controversial and unexpected historical events, Idaho has made headlines a number of times in ways that have, not unsurprisingly, been overlooked in history textbooks. Today, we've dug up a few interesting tidbits about the Gem State that you might not have heard before, both good and bad -- some present-day, and some from decades past.
Until 1948, Idaho's skies were filled with parachuting beavers.
It doesn't appear that any beavers were harmed during this re-population process, but I think I can safely say that these little guys were happy to have their feet back on the ground after their skydiving ordeal.
2. Apple's iconic "1984" Macintosh comercial had its official debut as a late night premiere in Twin Falls, well over a month before it aired during the Superbowl.
Who knew Idahoans were one of the first to see this landmark ad? The commercial aired as a late-night segment on December 31, 1983 to put it in the running for the '83 awards. Twin Falls was one of only thirteen markets to have an early ru of the ad.
3. Idaho officially declared a "state soil" in 2001.
Only 14 other states in the nation can boast a state soil. At the time, Idaho's state soil was a tossup between "Rexburg" and "Threebear," with Threebear -- a type of soil found on hilly inclines -- ultimately becoming the people's choice. Why? It is the ideal dirt composition for wildlife and forest habitats.
4. In 1929, Idaho's Lieutenant Governor, William B. Kinne, was kidnapped near Lewiston and held hostage.
One blown tire, two additional hostages, and one hidden penknife later, the kidnappers (who originally set out to be bank robbers) were captured and placed in jail.
You can read more of the story here.
5. Idaho was one of only 5 states who allowed women to vote long before the 19th Amendment was passed.
Organized advocacy for women's voting rights, also known as the Suffrage Movement, began in 1848 with the Seneca Falls Convention. 1896 was Idaho's year to join the early cause, led by Abigail Scott Duniway, who just a few short years later became the first woman registered to vote in Idaho. Awesome!
6. In 2011, a nuclear incident at the Idaho National Laboratory left multiple workers with permanent radiation damage.
This tragic and under-reported incident wasn't the first, however. Read more about the accident here.
7. In 1967, the Star Garnet was named Idaho's state gem, and the world learned just how special Idaho really is.
Why? The event made headlines simply due to the fact that Idaho is one of only two locations in the world where these incredibly rare gemstones have been found. The only other known location is India.
8. In 2012, a Supreme Court decision enabled Idaho to abolish the insanity defense in court.
The ruling came via Delling v. Idaho, making Idaho one of only four states in the US to have removed the insanity plea option.
WHOA. Who knew? Stay tuned for Part II of this series as we check out even more of Idaho's little-known pieces of history!
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