The beautiful and diverse Gem State is not only rich in physical beauty and culture; it also has a rich and vivid history that can be discovered through some of Idaho’s oldest towns. Nestled on the state border with Utah, Franklin is definitely one of those towns that delivers when it comes to quintessential Idaho charm. But that’s not all this little slice of countryside has to offer!
As the oldest town in Idaho, Franklin is overflowing with history and is proud of its unique role. In fact, Franklin is one of the few towns in the state that wasn't built upon a mining or logging foundation, but was instead designed around settlement, family, and the comfortable allure of rural Idaho. The perfect mix of old and new, this original town is loaded with the western charm the Gem State has come to be known for while also offering plenty of things to do. Take a look!
Franklin is located right on the southern border of Idaho and Utah and is home to a cozy population of just under 700 residents.
But it wasn't until 1872 that Franklin was even considered a part of Idaho.
Up until this point, the mining town of Pierce -- a gateway to the Clearwater located much farther north -- was recognized as Idaho's oldest town, while Franklin was actually believed to be a part of Utah. It wasn't until an updated land survey took place that this rural town was found to be just a mile inside the Idaho state line.
The rest is history.
By the fall of 1860, the number of families in Franklin had grown to approximately sixty, and a population around half of what it is today.
Under the leadership of Brigham Young, who heard the Cache Valley was a fertile, comfortable place to settle, Franklin came to be. April 14, 1860 marked the day when thirteen original families, burdened only with wagons and household possessions, trekked valiantly to this new rural community. Ultimately, the name Franklin came to be chosen not after Benjamin Franklin, as every other city and county of the same name in America is, but after Franklin D. Richards, an LDS apostle.
Today, Franklin is home to some fantastic natural beauty...
Tucked away under the Bear River Mountains, near Cub River, Franklin is a rural gem. The small butte located just outside of town, affectionately known as "Little Mountain," is a local favorite destination.
Spectacular historical architecture, like the Franklin Mill House, plus a local museum....
...And even unique ruins, both inside the city and scattered throughout Franklin County.
Pictured is the abandoned sugar mill in Paul.
You just have to get out and explore!
Want to learn about other notable towns in Idaho? Check out these 10 Forgotten Ghost Towns, or these Quaint, Small Towns Where Everyone Knows Your Name.
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