The journey towards Idaho's statehood was marked by its rich natural resources, particularly gold and silver, which attracted prospectors and settlers in the 1860s and 1870s. Previously part of the Oregon Territory, Idaho initially became its own territory in 1863. Over the years, as more settlers moved into the area, the demand for statehood increased significantly. Advocates lobbied for admission, highlighting the population growth and the establishment of local governments. The statehood movement faced challenges, including political opposition and concerns over the region's preparedness to govern itself.

On March 4, 1890, Congress passed the enabling act that allowed Idaho to draft its state constitution. By July 3 of that year, with President Benjamin Harrison's signature, Idaho was officially admitted into the Union as the 43rd state. Boise was designated as the state capital, embodying the growth and development that had occurred within two decades. The admission symbolized not only Idaho's readiness for self-governance but also the expansion of the United States towards the West, continuing the trend of westward expansion.

Idaho's statehood also had implications for the indigenous populations and the established settlers. While settlers viewed statehood as a form of progress and stability, it also meant the encroachment on lands traditionally held by Native American tribes, raising complex issues related to land rights and cultural preservation in the years that followed. As Idaho developed, it began to establish its identity, blending cultures and building industries that would define its future economic prospects.