The Assassination of Governor Frank Steunenberg
In April 1899, members of the Western Federation of Miners (WFM) went on strike against mine operations in the Coeur D’Alene region of northern Idaho. Governor Frank Steunenberg was forced to take action, and did so, as most would agree, poorly.
"Bullpens” were built where over 1,000 men were arrested and held in horrible living conditions for up to five months during the ordeal. At least three prisoners died and multitudes more fell ill. They were overworked, underfed and under cared for.
Eventually, issues were resolved and Gov. Steunenberg retired and moved back to his home town of Caldwell. In 1905, a man who had been posing as an insurance salesman under the pseudonym “Thomas Hogan" planned Steunenberg’s assassination. Steunenberg was bombed at the gate to his home, and it was at the Idanha hotel in Boise where “Hogan” built the bomb. He was searched, apprehended and arrested under his real name, Harry Orchard. [source]
Orchard had planned on bombing the Idanha, but either changed his mind or didn’t get to it. Orchard gave a full confession and was sentenced to death, which was later changed to life in prison due to his cooperation and the nature behind the crime. He served 46 years at the Old Idaho Penitentiary before dying there, it’s longest term ever served.