America's Byways® Press Room
September 20, 2006 - Ceremonial Reopening of Historic Pioneer Highway

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A ceremonial reopening of U.S. Highway 91 (the Pioneer Historic Byway) was held at Franklin City Park, Franklin, Idaho, at 9:30 on Sept. 20, and included a history lesson on the importance of the commuter route.

Originally known as the Yellowstone Highway, U.S. 91 was first established when Mormon pioneers settled Franklin, Idaho, in 1960, in what they believed was northern Utah. The highway was so named for its use as a scenic route from Utah to Yellowstone Park. The thoroughfare was first traveled by stage coaches - one of which sits in the Relic Hall Museum in Franklin.

Brenton Atkinson, the president of the Franklin Pioneer Association, gave a historical perspective on the highway. He spoke about the pioneers who settled Franklin City, the first established settlement in Idaho, and about the changes the highway has seen in the last 150 years.

Atkinson was preceded by comments from State Rep. Larry Bradford, Preston Mayor Neal Larson and Franklin Mayor Robert Wilkinson. Members of the Idaho Transportation Board were in attendance as well. The Preston High School Band played the national anthem at the event, which was held in the Franklin City Park at 9:30 am on Sept. 20th.

(by Kelly Hafen, Herald Journal, Sept. 20, 2006)

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