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Idaho State...
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Idaho Counties
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Idaho Counties
There are 44 counties in Idaho.
Counties are the largest political divisions within the state.
When Idaho became a territory in March, 1863, there were four counties in existence: Boise, Idaho, Nez Perce and
Shoshone. By the time Idaho became a state 27 years later, there were 15 counties. The rest of the 44 counties
came into existence during the 30 years after Idaho became a state. Two of the former counties disappeared
during this time. Alturas, which was created in 1864, was later divided into the many counties now found in
central Idaho. Logan County was only in existence for six years, from 1889 to 1895. It was combined with Alturas
to form Blaine County and Lincoln County, which was formed just two weeks after Logan lost its identity. |
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Idaho County, Idaho
Idaho County History, Geography, Demographics, Cities and Towns, and Education
County Seat: Grangeville
Year Organized: 1864
Square Miles: 8,484.88 |
Court House: 320 West Main Street
County Courthouse
Grangeville, ID 83530-1948
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Etymology - Origin of County Name
Idaho County is named for the steamer Idaho, which was launched on the Columbia River in 1860.
Originally a county in Washington Territory, the county's name predates both the State of Idaho and Idaho Territory.
Some sources say the name derives from ee-da-how, a word supposedly meaning the sun comes from the mountains
in the Shoshone language. However, this explanation is now believed to be a hoax perpetrated by George M. Willing.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: Census Bureau Quick
Facts
History
Established February 4, 1864 by the First Idaho Territorial Legislature with its county seat at Florence. In 1861 it
had been established as the third county of the Washington Territory. Named for the Steamer Idaho that was launched June
9, 1860 on the Columbia River and served miners during the gold rush in north Idaho. In 1875 Mount Idaho was named the
county seat, in 1902 the county seat was moved to Grangeville following a 10-year struggle between Grangeville and Mount
Idaho.
Neighboring Counties:
- North: Clearwater County
- Northeast: Missoula County, Mont.; Ravalli County, Mont.
- Southeast: Lemhi County
- South: Valley County
- Southwest: Adams County
- West: Wallowa County, Ore.
- Northwest: Nez Perce County; Lewis County
Cities and Towns:
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- Cottonwood |
city |
Incorporated Area |
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- Ferdinand |
city |
Incorporated Area |
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- Grangeville
(County
Seat) |
city |
Incorporated Area |
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- Kooskia |
city |
Incorporated Area |
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- Riggins |
city |
Incorporated Area |
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- Stites |
city |
Incorporated Area |
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- White Bird |
city |
Incorporated Area |
County Resources:
Enter County Resources and Information Here
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County Resource Guide
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The history of our nation can be seen as a prolonged struggle to define the relative roles and powers of our governments: federal, state, and local. And the names we've given our counties, our most locally based jurisdictions, reflects the "characteristic
features of our country!"
But age, size and colorful names of our counties isn't the only reason to explore counties' role in American history, or the history of county government itself. In fact, the story of county government reflects the larger meanings of American history.
Today's counties are the most flexible, locally responsive and creative governments in the US. They are the most diverse, varying in size, population, geography, and governmental structure. In their politics and policies, they express a 1990's political slogan "Think globally,
act locally." |
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