🧵 Idaho’s Confederate History: A Complex Legacy in the Gem State:
When most people think of Idaho, images of rugged mountains, sprawling forests, and a fiercely independent spirit come to mind. Less often considered is Idaho’s surprising connection to the Confederacy, a chapter of its history that reveals the complexities of the American War Between the States’ reach into the far West. While Idaho was not a battleground state during the Civil War, its early territorial days were shaped by Confederate supporters, Southern migrants, and the broader tensions of a nation divided. This post delves into Idaho’s Confederate history, exploring its origins, key figures, cultural impacts, and the lingering debates surrounding its legacy.
Idaho Territory in the War Between the States Era:
Idaho Territory was established on March 4, 1863, during the height of the War Between the States, carved out of parts of Washington, Dakota, and Nebraska territories. The discovery of gold in the early 1860s sparked a rush of settlers to the region, particularly to areas like the Boise Basin and Owyhee County. This influx included a diverse mix of people: miners, merchants, Union supporters, and a significant number of Southerners who carried Confederate heritage to the