GEM COUNTY, Idaho — Idaho is commonly referred to as the gem state, but why?
Idaho's been known as the gem state since it became a territory in the 1800s.
Well, you probably know it's because of the abundance of rare minerals that have been found in all of the corners of the state.
For those who really know Idaho, our state gem is the star garnet. It's extremely rare, but Idaho is one of only two places in the world where it's been found. The other place is India.
Getting the name Gem County would lead you to believe that maybe it's the most abundant in gems or is where the star garnet was found, but think again.
"They get to call it what they want if they get there first," said Dan Everhart, the outreach historian at the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office.
Surprisingly, it took quite a few counties to be established before it ever came across the table of ideas.
The first county in Idaho was Owyhee County in 1863. By 1915, 35 other counties were established.
Then, finally, came number 36, Gem County.
With 44 total counties, it was one of the last few to be named. So why 'gem'?
"In early 1862, 1863 is when gold and silver discoveries are making this area, this region, attractive to to Euro Americans, to American settlers," said Everhart. "There are a couple early settlers who arrive in the Payette River Valley there in the area."
The gem, in Gem County, wasn't describing the rare stones settlers were after, but rather the richness found in the land.
Pioneers settling near the Payette River quickly discovered that the region was ideal for agriculture, especially in Emmett.
"There was also a reference to the, 'Gem of the Payette,' and that it is the best town on on the Payette River," he said. "Though, places like McCall, places like Payette itself, might take issue with Emmett being the gem of the Payette."
The water made for great irrigation, the soil was fertile, and farmers along the river started raising crops to supply the Boise basin mines.
Several irrigation projects made the area grow as the major service center for a farming and fruit-growing valley.
Besides agriculture, what are considered the other gems in Gem County?
Some might say Idaho Governor Brad Little is one, after growing up there.
Other's might say it's the history that still stands in downtown Emmett.
"That sort of commercial core of historic buildings, and there are dozens of wonderful, important historic buildings that contribute to the character and feeling of that town," said Everhart. "I love the Gem County Courthouse. It was built in the late 1930s as a part of our national new deal efforts to put Americans back to work with sort of an interesting mixture of classical elements and art deco elements."
There are things outside of Emmett too.
"If you look further, you'll see wonderful historic places like Black Canyon Dam, critical to the economy, the agricultural history of Gem County."
There is also the Roystone Hot Springs, which have been around since 1923.
There is also Ola's Community Hall, the two room schoolhouse and church built in 1910, which are still used today.
While Gem County's treasures might not always sparkle in the literal sense, the true gems of the region lie in its people, history, and agricultural legacy.