"One year after Oregon became a state, the Idaho Territory captured the attention of America.

That's when the first significant strike of gold was made in what became the Gem State, in 1860.

It also began a backward slide in relations between the U.S. government and the Nez Perce tribe.

The Nez Perce were signatories to the 1855 treaty, also signed by natives of eastern Oregon and Washington. When gold was discovered in Idaho, white miners rushed to the state and either trespassed or given permission to be on Nez Perce land. Either way, it led to trouble"

Get the Story:
Terry Richard: Courthouse at Pierce from 1862 oldest public building standing in Idaho (The Oregonian 7/18)
Idaho's Heart of the Monster site of Nez Perce creation legend (The Oregonian 7/17)

Related Stories:
Travels: Site shows first white settlement in Nez Perce territory (7/16)
Travels: When Nez Perce Tribe saved explorers Lewis and Clark (7/12)
Travels: A key stop in the historic journey of the Nez Perce Tribe (7/11)
Column: Ongoing series on Old Chief Joseph's Oregon gravesite (7/10)