What is now the State of Idaho, at one time was a part of what was called the Northwestern Territory. Before commencing to write about Idaho proper, in order that the reader might get a correct understanding of this Northwestern Territory, it was necessary to give a brief description of the discovery, exploration and settlement by Americans, settlement of title with other nations which laid claim to this territory, the first Provisional Government, Indian troubles, and the organization of Oregon and Washington Territories. The endeavor has been to give a statement of the operations of the people since Territorial organization up to statehood in 1890, with a brief reference to some of the legislative enactments at each session, the times, where held, names of all members, financial condition of the Territory from time to time, with frequent accounts of the progress made by the people in the settlement of the country, including the various modes of transportation, mining, farming, irrigation, kind of land, area of territory by counties, stock raising, Indian wars, building of railroads, schools, churches, etc. In fact, most everything of importance connected with Territorial days has been at least touched upon. The aim has been to give a brief history of the most important events connected with the settlement and development of the country through Territorial days— more than twenty-seven years—and at the same time not to have the book so voluminous as to be cumbersome to either old people or children; and also to give a brief review of the progress made by the people of Idaho since statehood up to 1909, with a brief view of the outlook for the future. Having made Idaho my home since its organization up to the present time and being familiar with the topography as well as the people of the Territory in early days, and having preserved copies of some valuable records and taken an active part in the early settlement and development of this country, I have been able to write mostly from personal knowledge of events. I have attempted to give the facts as I understand them, without exaggeration. Writing for publication is entirely out of my line, and I cer |