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Left to Right: Former Governor CL "Butch" Otter, Former Governor Cecill D. Andrus and Former State Representative Linden B Bateman
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Former Governor CL "Butch" Otter was Idaho's 32nd governor from 2007 to 2019
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On March 4, 2014 Governor Otter signed into law H.B. 378, creating an annual recognition and celebration of March 4th as “Idaho Day,” the anniversary of the day President Abraham Lincoln created Idaho Territory in 1863
people's house
On January 3, 1921, the newly completed Capitol building was dedicated to the people of the Gem State. 6,000 visitors explored their new “Capitol of Light.” Designed by architects John E. Tourtellotte and Charles F. Hummel, Idaho’s statehouse was envisioned as an inspiring symbol and house of government. Spearheaded by the Idaho Historical Society, Idaho Day is enjoyed throughout the state by schools and universities, state agencies, and other organizations.
Every year we observe IDAHO DAY on March 4, and this year marked the 158th anniversary of the creation of Idaho Territory by President Lincoln in 1863. One of our greatest presidents brought Idaho into existence, approved her name, and by promoting the Homestead Act and the Transcontinental Railroad Act, brought settlers to Idaho making statehood possible on July 3, 1890.
The highlight of the celebration this year is the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Idaho State Capitol building in Boise.
After the construction of its central section and dome in 1912, the grand neo-classical building was completed in 1921 and was truly a marvelous accomplishment for a young western state with a small population. Known as “The Capitol of Light,” a metaphor for enlightenment, morality, and democracy, it is one of America’s most beautiful Capitol buildings.
Forty years ago I was walking to the Capitol as a newly elected member of the House of Representatives. It was lightly snowing as I crossed the bridge over the Boise River when to my utter amazement an American bald eagle flew low out of the clouds and right toward the Statehouse. I could hardly believe my eyes. Where else but in a place like Idaho could one see these two glorious symbols of freedom in the same field of vision?
We love Idaho. Her name evokes images of wide open spaces, lovely winding rivers, and mountain skies fading into sunset. Romance and freedom lies in her name.