Idaho Panhandle

The Idaho Panhandle is the northern region of the US State Idaho which encompasses the ten northernmost counties of Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Shoshone. The southern part of this region is sometimes referred to as North Central Idaho. The panhandle is bordered by Washington state to the west, Montana to the east and British Columbia, Canada to the north. Cities include: Lewiston, Moscow, Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, and Bonners Ferry.

The Panhandle region is the only region of Idaho in Pacific Standard Time Zone; the rest of the state observes Mountain Time. The Idaho Panhandle is also the only United States panhandle which borders both two US states and a foreign country.

History

The Idaho Panhandle was originally created when Montana Territory was organized from Idaho Territory in 1864. All territory west of the continental divide went to Idaho, creating the thin northern panhandle.

When the seat of territorial government was moved to Boise from Lewiston in late 1864, it was thought that the panhandle region was hard to govern. A proposal was made to make the northern part of the state its own state. The proposal failed, but was attempted again in 1901. This time it was proposed to join the panhandle with Eastern Washington to form the "State of Lincoln", but failed a second time.

The Idaho Panhandle became infamous in 1992 with the siege at Ruby Ridge between Randy Weaver and federal authorities.

Attractions

• Panhandle National Forests
• Lake Pend Orielle
• Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Kootenai River

External links

• Panhandle National Forests site