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Idaho – Wild West with German roots NDR.de – Television – Programs AZ – Countries – People

Idaho is located in the northwestern United States and is known for its picturesque landscapes, deep canyons and rivers with crystal clear water. The Snake River, one of the largest rivers in North America, runs through the country like a lifeline. More than 1,700 kilometers long, it winds through mountains and hills. Near the village of Twin Falls, it falls 63 meters as a waterfall. The Shoshone Falls are the tallest waterfalls in the United States, higher than the Niagara Falls. And the Snake River brings another superlative to the 43rd state of the USA: It formed the deepest river valley in North America, the 16-kilometer Hells Canyon.

The land of lots of water

The people of the country feel deeply connected to the Snake River and its tributaries. That is why they call Idaho “the land of many waters”. For biologists like Kurtis Plaster, it is the land of the salmon. When the fish return from the Pacific to Redfish Lake over the Snake River in late summer to spawn, they have walked over 900 miles. Their existence is endangered by dams, weirs, fluctuating water levels and temperatures. Therefore, a breeding program is now to ensure that the sockeye salmon settles more in the waters again.

Many residents have German roots

Roger Nelson’s life also takes place on the Snake River. He digs for gold and silver in its floods. The precious metals attracted thousands of knights of fortune to the country in the second half of the 19th century. The ghost town of Silver City, where the Nelson couple runs a nostalgic hotel, is a reminder of this. Roger’s grandfather had bought the house. He came from Germany like many miners back then. To date, 45 percent of Idaho’s residents have German roots.

A true horse whisperer

Idaho has many other names like “the land of gems” or simply “the potato state”. Farmer James Hoff makes his living with potatoes. Just like his ancestors. His fields are so vast that he controls them with an old Boeing Stearman that used to be a military exercise machine. Idaho is also the country of the farmers. Many live from sheep farming or breed horses, like the Nez Perce tribe. Their Appaloosas are the only breed of horse ever bred by Indians. Rosa Yearout and her husband John have made a name for themselves as successful breeders. John is also responsible for the training of the horses and proves to be a true horse whisperer.

Traditions redesigned

Idaho is not yet as well known as its neighboring states, Montana or Wyoming. But once you have been there, you will never forget the country and its inhabitants. NDR author J. Michael Schumacher has traveled to the former “Wild West”. In his film, he shows impressive pictures of the most varied landscapes and introduces people who have preserved many old traditions. And some have even given them new life.

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