Franklin County, Idaho

Bear River Battleground Cowley, Matthias, House Franklin City Hall Franklin Co-operative Mercantile Institution Franklin County Courthouse Hatch, L. H., House Oneida Stake Academy Relic Hall US Post Office-Preston Main

A Battle Becomes a Massacre Attack at Bia Ogoi Bear River Massacre Bear River Massacre Monument Bidwell/Bartleson Trail - Small Brook California Volunteers March to the Bear River Change and Conflict Dayton, Idaho FCMI Store 1858 Franklin Historic District Franklin Relic Hall - 1937 Franklin's Pioneer School House 1860 Hatch House Idaho's Oldest Town Lorenzo Hill Hatch & John Doney Houses Old Delta Sediments Old Fort of Franklin Oneida Stake Academy Pass of the Standing Rock Pioneer Ferry and Bridge Pioneer Mail Route Preston's First Schoolhouse Range Wars Settlement of Oxford Shoshone Bear River Winter Home The Battle of Bear River The Birthplace of Samuel P. Cowley The Earth Will Remember The Shoshone Utah & Northern Railway Weston Grist Mill Weston Pioneers ZCMI Co-op Building

Franklin County, located in southeastern Idaho, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Northern Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources in the area, such as fish from the Snake River and game from the nearby mountains.

European exploration and settlement began in the early 19th century, with trappers and traders venturing into the region. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Franklin County in 1805, marking the first recorded contact between Europeans and Native Americans in the area. Fur trading posts were established, attracting more settlers and leading to further exploration and settlement.

In 1863, Franklin County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in Idaho Territory. The county was named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, as settlers began to cultivate the fertile soil and take advantage of the abundant water resources for irrigation.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Franklin County. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s facilitated the transportation of goods and boosted economic growth. The population increased, along with the establishment of new towns and businesses. Today, Franklin County remains an agricultural hub, with farming and livestock production playing a vital role in the local economy. The county is also known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community.

Brief timeline of the history of Franklin County, Idaho:

1862: Franklin County is founded.
1870: Preston becomes the county seat.
1879: The railroad reaches Franklin County, boosting its development.
1880: A new courthouse is constructed in Preston.
1901: The Oneida Stake Academy (later known as Preston High School) is established in Preston.
1929: The Bear River Massacre Site is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
1950s: The Montpelier Energy Corporation builds a nuclear reactor near Montpelier.
1970s: The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory expands, bringing economic growth to the county.
1983: The LDS Church opens the Franklin Idaho Temple in Preston.
2010: Franklin County commemorates its 150th anniversary.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Idaho.

Franklin County, Idaho

National Register Listings 9

Historical Markers 33

Brief timeline of the history of Franklin County, Idaho: