Idaho is so misunderstood that it even prompted its own category here at my blog.
I lived over 20 years in southern California when I moved to Idaho to support my Mom. Over the years of visiting Mom and Dad in Idaho, I began to understand how truly misunderstood the state is.
But, this one takes the cake.
In an article about Boise County (in Idaho), check out this headline that appeared in the Wall Street Journal.
The faux pas upset our local Idaho Statesman newspaper. Boise makes national news, albeit not for the best of reasons, and its location is still a mystery.
I Wonder if Iowa Has This Problem
The esteemed Wall Street Journal is not the first to mistake Idaho for Iowa.
Now, I am sure that the people of Iowa are great people. I have been there and found them very gracious.
But, come on. Iowa, do you have this problem?
- Do friends say, “Oh you’re in the west”?
- Are you asked how it feels to be known for your potatoes?
- Do others fear your state for all those ex-military red-necks that hide in the woods?
That last one is another huge misconception about Idaho.
Check Your Facts
As a Public Service Announcement, I am reprinting some Facts About Idaho.
- Boise is the capital of Idaho
- Boise’s population is over 200,000
- The state bird is the Mountain Bluebird
- There are two time zones in Idaho – Mountain Time & Pacific Time
- Idaho is bordered by Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Canada (not an eastern state anywhere!)
- Idaho is known as the “Gem State” with over 70 precious & non-precious stones (find me those precious ones!)
- “Famous Potatoes” was put on the Idaho license plate in 1957 (my Mom swears all the good potatoes are shipped out!)
But, the number one fact to know about Idaho is –
Idaho is NOT Iowa
Thank you for your support.
That was fun Cathy. I learned some new things about Iow…I mean Idaho! Had no idea your state has two time zones…makes me wanna come visit!! Treasure hunting maybe?
LOL, Kim! 😀 Yep, the top part of the state (where the University of ID is) is on Pacific time, while the rest of the state (like Boise) is on Mountain time. Come visit any time. It really is a beautiful state.
Thanks for stopping by-virtually. 🙂
Oh my goodness – quite the faux pas!!!!!
Trust me, Nicky, they are not the first and I’m sure they won’t be the last to make that little faux pas. 🙂