On October 26, 1799, The City of Franklin, TN was founded. Dr. Hugh Williamson, a member of the Continental Congress for whom Williamson County was named, named the city after his close friend Benjamin Franklin. For almost all of its existence, Franklin has been a small quiet town and the county seat of Williamson County, TN. Prior to the Civil War, Williamson County was one of the wealthiest counties in Tennessee and Franklin was the center of plantation economy.
However, after the Second Battle of Franklin, fought on 30 November, 1864, between the Carnton House Plantation and the Carter House Plantation, Franklin and Williamson’s economy was devastated. After General Hood’s retreat to Mississippi, Union troops occupied the area for nearly three years afterwards. It has taken almost 120 years for the county's economy to reach pre-war levels.
Today, Franklin is a historic town known for its many antique stores, eateries, specialty shops, picturesque downtown area, and friendly, small town atmosphere which still holds on to its southern traditions and fine Southern hospitality. Downtown Franklin is comprised of a beautiful 15 block historic district, with a traditionally great American main street and 200+ years of rich history. Visitors and locals alike will find commemorative brick sidewalks, beautiful landscaping, lovely Victorian architecture and stunningly renovated historic buildings which date back to the late 1890’s to 1900’s. A walk through the square or down the awning lined sidewalks is like walking back in time. Many of the buildings that surround the square and line Main Street south to 5 points where President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Council and where Hincheyville, Franklin’s first subdivision are on the National Historic Register.
Every year you can step back in time into the pages of Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol, with the free annual Dickens of a Christmas celebration in Franklin. One weekend a year, the historic downtown is transformed into a Victorian city during the holiday season as over 200 volunteers and special performers, artists and carolers fill the streets and the public square in what has frequently been named one of the areas Top 20 events by the Southeast Tourism Society.
You'll be enchanted by the clatter of horse hooves and the melodic voices of Victorian carolers as they parade up and down the quaint streets of Franklin, TN. Live performances, artists and street performers will ensure there is a never a dull moment.
Franklin is truly a town that has preserved its downtown area and is very reminiscent of the small southern town that I grew up in southern Georgia. One in which you walked into the local five and dime with the creaky hardwood floors, fluorescent lights, brick walls and the tin-type ceilings. The merchants were happy to see you and glad that you stopped by even if you browsed. In the back of my mind I can still hear them say, “Y’all come back and see me now, Ya hear?”
This posting and the contents written here are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. providing home inspections for Brentwood, Nashville, Davidson and Williamson Counties of Middle Tennessee. The views and opinions expressed are just that - views and opinions of Michael Thornton and those who comment. This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.
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