How Idaho almost missed its spot on the American flag by one day

President Harrison’s Brief 1891 Boise Visit

Idaho got its star on the flag thanks to a gold pen and some quick thinking.

When Fred Dubois asked President Harrison to sign Idaho’s statehood bill on July 4, 1890, Harrison had news: that would push Idaho’s star to 1891.

Dubois changed his mind fast, and Harrison signed on July 3 instead.

Less than a year later, the president came to Boise, spoke at the Overland Hotel, and planted an oak tree. Though his visit lasted just hours, the city soon named a street for him.

Today, Harrison Boulevard stands as one of Boise’s most beautiful streets, where history lives on in the North End neighborhood.

Idaho Leaders Called For A Constitutional Convention

In 1889, Idaho’s push for statehood took off. On April 2, outgoing Governor Edward Stevenson called for an election to pick 72 delegates for a constitutional convention.

His replacement, George Shoup, backed the plan on May 11 and set the convention for July 4 in Boise.

They ran on a tight budget since Idaho moved forward without federal approval, meaning the territory couldn’t legally pay for expenses.

Counties and political parties covered the costs themselves, with parties picking delegates in areas without formal elections.

Voters Overwhelmingly Backed The New Constitution

The convention ran from July 4 to August 6, 1889, with William Clagett leading as president. Delegates approved the final version 51-0, with 64 of the 72 delegates signing it.

Idaho Territory voters showed strong support on November 5, 1889, approving the constitution by a huge margin of 12,398 to 1,773.

The document included a controversial “Test Oath” rule that stopped Mormon church members from voting or holding office because of the church’s polygamy practice.

Congress Gave Idaho The Green Light

In 1890, Idaho’s statehood moved through Washington D.C.The House passed the Idaho bill in April, followed by Senate approval in June.

Republicans controlled both parts of Congress and welcomed another Republican-leaning western state.

Idaho’s territorial delegate Fred Dubois worked hard for admission, using his grandfather’s link to the Harrison family at the Battle of Tippecanoe as a helpful talking point with the president.

The Timing Of The Signing Mattered More Than Anyone Realized

Dubois met with President Harrison at the White House on July 3, 1890, for what seemed like a simple schedule talk.

Dubois first asked Harrison to sign the statehood bill on July 4 so Idaho could celebrate on Independence Day.

Harrison explained something Dubois hadn’t thought about, stars got added to the American flag on July 4 for states admitted during the previous year.

A July 4 signing meant Idaho’s star wouldn’t appear until 1891.

A Young Delegate Made A Split-Second Decision

After learning about the flag timing issue, Dubois quickly changed his mind.

The 39-year-old delegate told Harrison: “The responsibility is all mine and I ask you to sign the bill now. I want the star of Idaho on the flag tomorrow.”

Harrison smiled and said: “I think you have chosen well.”

The president signed the Idaho statehood act right away on July 3, 1890, making Idaho the 43rd state.

Harrison Gave Dubois A Special Souvenir

The president handed Dubois the gold pen and holder he’d just used to sign Idaho into statehood.

Harrison told him: “There is no honor which can come to a young man greater than that of bringing your state into the Union.”

Thanks to Dubois’s quick thinking, Idaho’s star showed up on the American flag the very next day, July 4, 1890. Boise celebrated with two parades on Independence Day to mark their new status as a state.

The President Embarked On An Epic Train Journey

President Harrison left Washington after midnight on April 13, 1891, for a huge western tour unlike any tried by earlier presidents.

His group traveled in a fancy five-car Pullman train that included the dining car Coronado. The trip covered 9,232 miles through 19 states and 72 cities over five weeks.

Harrison brought along First Lady Caroline Harrison, Postmaster General Wanamaker, Agriculture Secretary Rusk, and several family members.

Boise Welcomed Its First Presidential Visitor

Harrison’s train pulled into Boise on the morning of May 8, 1891, less than a year after Idaho became a state.

The president spent just a couple hours in the capital city that morning, but the visit marked a first, no sitting president had ever set foot in Idaho before.

The brief stop came during the return leg of Harrison’s western tour, with the city going all out despite the short notice.

Two Hours In Boise Left A Lasting Mark

During his quick visit, Harrison gave a speech at the Overland Hotel at 8th and Main Streets. He also planted an oak tree on the Capitol grounds, leaving a living reminder of his visit.

Though he stayed for just a short time, the president’s appearance made a strong impression on Boise citizens. The city put together an elaborate welcome for the nation’s leader despite having little time to plan.

City Officials Renamed A Street Just Three Weeks Later

The impact of Harrison’s visit stuck around long after his train left. Soon after his appearance, the Boise City Council took action to honor the president.

Local landowner Jeremiah Brumbach asked the city to rename 17th Street, and officials agreed. The street became Harrison Boulevard to honor the 23rd president who had signed Idaho into statehood.

At 100 feet wide, Harrison Boulevard was Boise’s widest street at the time.

Harrison Boulevard Started As A Road To Nowhere

When it got its new name, Harrison Boulevard sat on the outskirts of town, beyond where fire insurance maps stopped at 16th Street.

The Brumbach Addition included the south end of Harrison Boulevard, but the street didn’t show up on city maps until 1903, twelve years after the renaming.

The boulevard took shape as a sweeping, stylish thoroughfare meant to rival Warm Springs Avenue, eventually becoming one of Boise’s most beautiful and historic streets.

Visiting North End, Idaho

You can explore Boise’s North End to learn about President Benjamin Harrison’s 1891 visit.

Harrison Boulevard runs one mile from Hays Street to Hill Road through this historic district that’s been on the National Register since 1980.

Visit the Idaho State Capitol at 700 West Jefferson Street for free self-guided tours daily from 7am-7pm.

The Zions Bank Building at 8th and Main now occupies where Harrison gave his famous speech at the old Overland Hotel.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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