Boise is the capital of Idaho and is also the state's largest city. It is not only the center of government for the state and the seat of Ada County, but it is also a hub of commerce and banking. Natural features of the region vary from mountains and lakes to rivers and desert.

Geography

The Boise metropolitan area lies along the Boise River in southwestern Idaho. It covers an area of 1,645 square miles (4,261 square kilometers), with its highest point at 2,704 feet (824 meters). The Rocky Mountains to the north protect the area from Canadian blizzards and snowstorms.

Points of interest

The Basque Museum and Cultural Center in Boise is the only one of its kind in North America. Basques are an ethnic group native to Spain and France along the Bay of Biscay. Boise has the largest community of Basque people outside of Europe. The museum's exhibits depict Basque culture and history. The Discovery Center of Idaho displays science exhibits for hands-on exploration of color, electricity, chemistry, water, aerospace, and more. Other places of interest are the Idaho Botanical Garden, the Idaho Museum of Military History, and the state Capitol. Julia Davis Park includes the Idaho State Historical Museum, the Boise Art Museum, and a zoo. Boise State University and several art galleries also are in the area

Eagle Island State Park is located 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of Boise, between the north and south channels of the Boise River. The Boise National Forest, northeast of Boise, is one of the largest national forests in the United States. It is an area of steep mountains, fast rivers, and ancient forests. Bogus Basin ski area, in the forest, is a winter-sports center.

Economy

The fertile Boise Valley yields grains, potatoes, vegetables, and sugar beets, and its prunes and cherries are famous. Livestock are also raised there. Among the products of local companies are computer microchips, processed foods, forest products, and farm machinery and other metal products.

History

According to legend, the city of Boise got its name from early 19th-century French-Canadian trappers, who were happy to see the forest along the Boise River after crossing the treeless plains. They called the area Boise, meaning “wooded.” To this day, Boise is known as the City of Trees. It was not until after gold was discovered in nearby Boise Basin in 1862 that a community developed there, however. This settlement became the trade center for southern Idaho. It was incorporated and made the capital of Idaho in 1864, shortly after Idaho became a territory. It remained the capital when Idaho became the 43rd state of the United States in 1890. Population (2000 census), 185,787.