As things get more expensive on the West Coast, Boise does well, attracting employers by its educated, relatively inexpensive work force, attracing newcomers and keeping local Boise movers busy. Boise, the county seat of Ada County and the state capital, is in the southwest part of the state. It is the largest city in Idaho and is located on the Boise River.
Economy: Boise has an economy primarily composed of manufacturing, trade, technology and government. Wood products, food, computers and related parts, and electronics are all manufactured or processed in the city. Additionally, the government is a major employer of the city, both on the state and federal level. The surrounding farm areas of the city utilize irrigation, hydroelectricity, and flood control to make the land more productive. Companies headquartered in the city include Micron Technology, Washington Group International, and Boise Cascade. Other large companies with a major presence in the city are Hewlett-Packard.
History: The name Boise is a French word that means wooded which was first given to the Boise River, and then to the settlement of the area. A military post, called Fort Boise, was first built in the area and later a gold rush spurred growth in the region. The city was officially incorporated in 1864 and the next year the capital of the Idaho territory was moved from Lewiston to Boise. The city became the official capital in 1890 when Idaho was admitted as the 43rd state.
Tourism: The Boise Airport is located five miles from the city. There are several minor league and collegiate sports teams in the Boise area. Popular attractions in the city include the Boise Art Museum and the World Center for Birds of Prey. Theaters of the city include the Boise Little Theater, the Boise Contemporary Theater, and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.