National Register Listing

Franklin City Hall

a.k.a. 000845

128 E. Main St., Franklin, ID
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government architecture religion
In the late 1800s, Idaho experienced a gold rush that attracted thousands of people to the state in search of riches. One of the most famous mining towns was Custer, which was home to more than 15,000 people at its peak but was eventually abandoned after the gold ran out.
Idaho random facts
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.