WALLACE — One hundred thirty-six years ago today, President Benjamin Harrison approved Idaho's statehood, making it the 43rd state in the Union. 

Each year, Idaho's Statehood Day gets lost in the shuffle of Fourth of July celebrations. This year, perhaps more than most, that is understandable. But in Wallace, Idaho's Statehood Day is a chance to remember, celebrate and kick off the broader festivities to come. 

Wallace is one of just a few communities across Idaho that observes the day. Mayor Chase Sanborn believes that is largely because of Independence Day, but he doesn't mind. Instead, he sees it as another opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate. 

Sanborn explained that, for years, the Wallace Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce effectively dueled over which organization hosted the better events. While Wallace has long been the center of the universe for festivals, the Fourth of July celebration traditionally took place on the west end of Shoshone County. 

"The way I heard it was, they wanted to do Fourth of July down there, so the Wallace Chamber said, fine, we'll do Statehood Day here on July 3," Sanborn said. "Rayma and Jim Shields have spearheaded the event over the years and they've done a great job." 

For Sanborn, the day represents the uniqueness and freedom Idaho offers to those who call it home. He discussed the state's wide-ranging cultural diversity and said Idaho is one of the few places where people can pursue their dreams, try new activities and live the way they choose. 

"The Fourth of July is a big deal, and this one even more so, but everyone knows that," he said. "This is Idaho's day. Fourth of July is tomorrow. We want as much Idaho enthusiasm as we can get."   

It's not that he's unpatriotic or anything of that sort — far from it. He simply wants to make sure Idaho gets the recognition it deserves, especially at a time when so many people are choosing to move here. 

"We've got a couple of Idaho flags and every year, we're out there waving our big Idaho flags," Sanborn said. "Get an Idaho flag. We need to have more Idaho flags out there and celebrate Idaho."    

Wallace's annual Statehood Day Parade has historically been one of the community's biggest and loudest events. Police vehicles and fire engines line up before making their way through downtown Wallace, winding past the city's multistory brick buildings. 

The celebration serves as the unofficial kickoff to the Fourth of July holiday and is typically one of the busiest evenings of the summer in downtown Wallace. 

As Sanborn noted, the Shields family has organized the event for more than two decades, watching it grow in both participation and popularity each year. 

"Everyone does parades, but we decided that we'd do one with no costs or registration. Just show up and get in line," Jim said previously. "People loved it, so we decided that we'd keep up with the tradition." 

This year, the event will look slightly different, with the annual parade beginning earlier than usual. It will be followed immediately by a special ceremony outside the Shoshone County Courthouse, where a new American flag will be dedicated. 

Since achieving statehood in 1890, Idaho's economy and population have risen and fallen alongside changes in mining, agriculture, timber and technology. Today, Idaho remains one of the nation's fastest-growing states. The Gem State surpassed 2 million residents in 2024, with much of that growth fueled by people relocating from elsewhere in the United States. 

Before achieving statehood, the Idaho Territory was in turmoil. Washington, which achieved statehood in 1889, and Nevada both sought to divide Idaho and annex portions of the territory. Those efforts were ultimately rebuffed by President Grover Cleveland. 

After statehood, Idaho's capital was moved from Lewiston to Boise. President Harrison later visited the new capital and planted a tree outside Idaho's Statehouse. 

The name "Idaho" was originally believed to be a Native American word meaning "Gem of the Mountains." However, many historians now contend the term was invented, though by the time that was discovered, Idaho had already been granted statehood. 

Wallace's Statehood Day Parade and Celebration begins Friday afternoon, with the parade starting at 1 p.m. (lineup begins at 12:30). The American flag dedication ceremony will follow at 2 p.m. outside the courthouse. 

More information is available on the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. 

    Everyone is invited to Wallace on July 3, to celebrate Statehood Day. The event kicks off with a parade at 1 p.m. through downtown Wallace.
 Courtesy photo