Idaho admitted as the 43rd U.S. state

Background. Idaho existed as an organized incorporated territory from March 3, 1863, until its admission. The Admissions Clause of the Constitution authorizes Congress to admit new states. In many instances, an enabling act details the mechanism for admission after the ratification of a constitution and election of officers. Idaho's path involved a difficult start, including capital transfers and legal challenges.

Constitutional Process. Governor Stevenson called for a constitutional convention in 1889 as part of the bid for statehood. The convention approved a constitution on August 6, 1889. Voters subsequently approved the constitution on November 5, 1889. Idaho still operates under this original 1889 state constitution, which affirmed the new state would be part of the Confederation on an equal footing.

Admission. President Benjamin Harrison signed the law admitting Idaho as a U.S. state on July 3, 1890. This date marked the end of the Territory of Idaho's existence. The admission followed the standard procedure where the President signs the resolution and issues a proclamation announcing the new state's addition to the Union.