Pocatello in Bannock County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Simplot
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2024
1. Simplot Marker
The Simplot name had been important to southeastern Idaho since the 1940s when J.R. Jack Simplot established a small phosphate mining and fertilizer manufacturing operation near Pocatello. From this beginning grew the large Simplot plant west of the city and several phosphate mines: Gay Mine on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Conda near Soda Springs, and Smoky Canyon near the Wyoming border.
The J.R. Simplot Company has become a major component of Idahos agricultural economy. Other company divisions provide farm services, feed cattle, produce fuel alcohol and starch, and process potatoes. Operations have extended nationwide and overseas, but the company maintains its headquarters and the heart of its business in Idaho.
Over the years, many people associated with Simplot operations have added to our areas commercial success and quality of life. The Simplot familys gift of land for this Square is another such contribution. This heritage is appropriately recognized in the naming of Simplot Square.
Erected 1989 by Leadership Pocatello, Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Pocatello.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture
this page online
Location. 42° 51.659′ N, 112° 27.1′ W. Marker is in Pocatello, Idaho, in Bannock County. It can be reached from the intersection of South Arthur Avenue and Center Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located near the fountain in Simplot Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 155 South Arthur Avenue, Pocatello ID 83204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Idaho’s Bear River Country. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Bannock Hotel (here, next to this marker); Pocatello History (here, next to this marker); Nearby Historic Buildings (here, next to this marker); Railroad History (a few steps from this marker); American Indian Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Pocatello Area Geology (a few steps from this marker); The Great Bonneville Flood (a few steps from this marker); Volcanic Activity Near Pocatello (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pocatello.
Also see . . . Simplot (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Simplot was founded in 1929 by 20-year-old John Richard Simplot near the agricultural community of Declo in south(Submitted on March 11, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)central Idaho, United States. During the early 1940s, the business expanded, providing the military with dehydrated onions and potatoes during World War II. Simplot made billions from the commercialization of frozen French fries by one of its scientists, chemist Ray L. Dunlap. By the early 1970s, it was the primary supplier of French fries to McDonald's. By 2005 it supplied more than half of all French fries for the fast food chain. Simplot also produces fertilizers for agriculture.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 20242. Simplot MarkerThe marker is inscribed atop the concrete pedestal.Simplot is now one of the largest privately owned companies in the world. Since its founding, J. R. Simplot Company has contributed to numerous local organizations and causes, including Ronald McDonald House, WWF-Australia, Boys and Girls Clubs, Future Farmers of America, St. Luke's Children's Hospital, and the Special Olympics.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2024
3. Simplot Marker
Looking south through Simplot Square. The marker is behind the fountain, on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 11, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
