Franklin County Sugar Co.
Preston, Idaho
Travel Fee: $90
Abandoned Sugar Mill located in Preston, Idaho.
Features: graffiti backdrops, mountain backdrop, unique lighting and shadows
Address: 1503 S 1600 E, Preston, ID 83263
Franklin County, Idaho marks the initial entry point into the state when traveling north from Logan, Utah, situated in Cache Valley. Whitney, Idaho, a quaint settlement, rests just below Preston, Idaho, and a mere stone's throw away from the Utah-Idaho border. It was here, in the late 19th century, that sugar beets found their successful cultivation in the intermountain west.
The historic milestone of the first prosperous sugar beet crop in Franklin County dates back to 1899. Initially, these beets were transported to processing centers for refinement. However, in 1920, Franklin County Sugar Company built a sugar beet processing factory, strategically positioned just south of Whitney. This facility facilitated local processing, marking a significant shift in the region's sugar beet industry.
The factory operated under the auspices of Franklin County Sugar Company until 1960 when it changed hands, becoming part of Amalgamated Sugar Co. Unfortunately, despite its decades-long service to the community and the industry, records regarding the factory's eventual closure remain elusive. It is known, however, that the factory ceased operations several years ago, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and economic contribution to the region.