Idaho State Nickname: The Gem State

This nickname came from early settlers shortening Idaho's name. People used Little Ida in casual conversation during territorial days before Idaho became a state in 1890. The name suggested affection for the territory despite its large size. Idaho covers 83,570 square miles, making it the 14th largest state, so calling it little seems odd. Records suggest this nickname was more common in the 1870s and 1880s. Residents stopped using Little Ida regularly after statehood, though historical societies sometimes mention it when discussing Idaho's past.

Writers and poets used this longer version of the Gem State nickname. The phrase appeared in promotional materials encouraging people to visit or settle in Idaho during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Gem of the Mountains emphasized both the precious stones found throughout the state and the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery. Tourism companies liked this nickname because it painted Idaho as a valuable destination. The phrase shows up less today, though some historical markers and old buildings still display it. Most people shortened it to just the Gem State over time, while geographic context remains useful in States Neighboring States.

Idaho grows more potatoes than any other American state, which led to this nickname. Farmers plant potatoes across southern Idaho in areas with rich volcanic soil and good irrigation. The state produces roughly one-third of all potatoes grown in the United States each year. Spud State appeared on souvenirs and postcards starting in the mid-1900s when Idaho's potato industry expanded rapidly. The nickname sticks around today, and Idaho license plates even say Famous Potatoes instead of the Gem State. Some residents prefer focusing on agriculture rather than geology when describing their state, often alongside heritage symbols like Idaho's state horse, the Appaloosa.