Near Franklin in Franklin County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Idaho's Oldest Town

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2017

1. Idaho's Oldest Town Marker

Inscription. Franklin was settled April 14, 1860 by Mormon pioneers. The free local museum exhibits a large collection of tools and relics of pioneer days.

The founding of Franklin was part of a well organized plan of Mormon expansion. Church authorities sent the colonists under Thomas Smart from Provo, Utah. Men of many trades were included in order to make the community self-sufficient. From 1874-1877, Franklin was the busy terminus of the Utah Northern Railroad where freight for the Montana mines (was) reloaded for the long wagon haul north.

Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 23.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 14, 1860.

Location. 42° 0.84′ N, 111° 48.246′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is near Franklin, Idaho, in Franklin County. Marker is on South State Street (U.S. 91 at milepost 1.4) near East 2nd Street South, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 151 South State Street, Franklin ID 83237, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Birthplace of Samuel P. Cowley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Franklin's Pioneer School House 1860

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Franklin Relic Hall - 1937 (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Fort of Franklin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Franklin Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away); FCMI Store 1858 (approx. 0.3 miles away); ZCMI Co-op Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hatch House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 21, 2017

2. Idaho's Oldest Town Marker

The marker is on the ground.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 321 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.