How Idaho Got Its Name

Never mind that story about Idaho meaning "Gem of theMountains;" that's just historical fodder developed by old Chambers of Commerce. The truth was a little more pointed.

It seemed that when the Territory was first settled, there was a dearth of women. Frankly, none at all. Well, buffalo gals, but they never came out at night.

The locals advertised, "Send us women! Bounties offered!"

And, after a few weeks, a stagecoach came with six ladies in it.

The miners and ranchers stood around, and appraised the passengers as they got off the stage.

The first one off was a Junoesque brunette, who turned out to be a missionary from the Presbyterian Church.

The second one was married to the general store owner. She had a face like a hatchet.

The third one was a blonde schoolteacher.

The fourth one was in her eighties, and came to live with her prissy son.

And the fifth one was a traveling saleswoman, selling linens.

So the townsmen began to murmur: "Where's the women we can dance with and make love to?"

Everyone was disappointed, and were going away.

Finally, out of the stagecoach came an ordinary-looking woman, who announced, "I de 'ho!"

And all were pleased. As we she.

And in honor of her, they named the territory Idaho Territory.