How did Idaho get its name?

Answer 1

when a new area in pikes peak mining area near Denver needed a name an eccentric lobbyist Dr. George M. Willing suggested the name Idaho. Willing claimed the word was an Indian name for "Gem of the mountains". Shortly before congress agreed on the name it was discovered had invented the word and that territory became known as Colorado instead.

However, two years later when another mining territory in the pacific northwest needed a name some remembered Idaho but forgot that name had been a hoax. On March 4th 1863 the territory of Idaho was established. When statehood was achieved in 1890, the name had stuck therefore the United States has a state based on a phony Indian name

practically making it the greatest practical joke of all time

source :Stupid History by Leland Gregory