Boise

Boise (pop. 205,775), largest city and capital of the state of Idaho, located in the lower Boise River valley. Named by French-Canadian settlers Boisé (meaning wooded), it provided a resting place for travelers from the heat of the Snake River Plains. The modern city was founded in 1863. The influx of Basque shepherds in the early 20th century turned the area into a center for wool production. Products today include the famous Idaho potatoes, sugar beets, alfalfa, fruits, and dairy products, as well as steel products, furniture, and electrical equipment. The city is a center for the insurance and construction trades. There are several hot springs nearby, and the region is a vacation area.

See also: Idaho.