USA: Idaho – Potato State

Idaho is a state that covers the area as three Czech Republics . However, there live only little bit more people than in Prague. The capital of Idaho is Boise. Idaho joined the Union in 1890 as the 43rd member.

Idaho’s name supposedly comes from Shoshone language, a Native American tongue. It means "the sun comes from the mountains". The highest mountain in Idaho is Borah Peak (3859 above the sea level). It can be found in the central part of the state in the Lost River Range.

Idaho is inhabited for approximately 14,500 years. Before the time when the Europeans or descendants of Europeans began dominating this area, Amerindians lived there – there were Northern and Western Shoshone and Nez Percé . The latter Amerindian people were nomadic. During the seasons, they relocated to areas with ample food for the winter and returned to the permanent winter homes.

With the arrival of white American settlers, Nez Percé got into existential difficulties. One part of the tribe was willing to accept in life in reservation. But they did not want to give up theirfertile soil. Just like other Indian tribes and the people of Nez Percé in the end this pathetic stage of American history had to submit to white Americans.

Today, Idaho is known as Potato State . This nickname arose due to the dominant role as an Idaho potato growers in USA. Altogether Idaho grows a third of potato production in the country.

But it's not potatoes or agriculture as such, what is the dominant sector of the economy of Idaho. Now science and technology drive the local economy. It generates one quarter of state’s revenue and about 70% of its export. or example, from the 1970’s Boise is semiconductor manufacturing center. For example, Hewlett-Packard manufactures its LaserJet printers there.

I did not know these things during my journey in Idaho. The only thing I saw was the open plains and mountains in the distance. It was a refreshing feeling to pass through almost peopleless places. When I learned that Idaho is proud of its potato production, I decided to visit its Potato Museum .

On the one hand industry I thought that it might be pretty boring. But the spirit of curiosity was stronger.

The museum is located in a small town of Blackfoot. The museum building was originally a railway station and the trains still pass it around the adjacent tracks. So, when there just at that time you can easily feel.

To my surprise, I had a good time at the museum. Exhibits show various curiosities such as the largest chips or potato processing closer to the fries and the like.

Text and photo: Maxim Kucer