Idaho is the "Gem State", known for its agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, lumber, mining and electronics, spanning a vast area of the Pacific- Northwest mountains. Idaho was the 43rd state to enter the union on July 3, 1890. Early exploration of the region began with Lewis and Clark from 1805 to 1806, with fur traders and missionaries establishing settlements through the 1850s. Mormons first settled the area in 1860, the same year the Idaho gold rush started. Major attractions of the state include, Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America; Craters of the Moon; Sun Valley, a year around resort in the Sawtooth Mountains; Lava Hot Springs and the River of No Return Wilderness Area. @
