should be preserved not only for them but for others to enjoy for decades to come. These individuals had bold visions and were not afraid to take risks to ensure the decisions they made were intentional and would have a lasting impact. The buildings we see, the reclaimed Civil War sites, and parks serve as a backdrop for families, community events, and everyday life for most residents and visitors. Visit Franklin describes downtown Franklin as being authentic. This would not be the case without the citizens, traditions, organizations, and buildings that contribute to the sense of authenticity and serve as a physical testament to the city’s history. Preserving the emotional connection to Franklin means not only protecting the buildings, but also the intangible qualities that make up Franklin’s identity. Without the intangible feeling of belonging and the belief that you are part of something special in Franklin, the city would just be a collection of historic buildings. Not every city has what Franklin has, an array of historic buildings in varied architectural styles, Civil War sites, and most importantly, the people who continue to believe in Franklin and preserving its history. The next sections detail the historic resources by category: residential, commercial, industrial, government and fraternal, religious, educational, transportation, cultural landscapes, and Civil War resources. Residential Resources Early dwellings in Franklin were modest log and frame buildings. Residential development centered around the town square and along key roadways like Columbia Avenue. Some of the earliest extant houses in Franklin are Federal-style dwellings, characterized by brick construction, symmetrical facades, and minimal ornamentation. Constructed around 1800, Wyatt Hall (NRHP 1980) and the Hamilton-Brown House (NRHP 1973) are good examples of this style in Franklin. Greek Revival-style dwellings soon came into fashion with prominent porticoes and classical details. The wealthier residents of the city, particularly plantation owners, built elaborate Grecian houses such as the Lotz House (NRHP 1976) and Carnton (NRHP 1973). In 1819, Hinchey Petway subdivided land southwest of the original town boundary for the creation of Franklin’s first residential addition. Named Hincheyville (NRHP 1982), the neighborhood features some of the city’s best examples of Federal and Greek Revival-style architecture. During the Civil War, the construction of residential architecture in Franklin came to a halt. Many houses in the area were temporarily repurposed as military hospitals or headquarters. The reconstruction era brought renewed economic activity, rail connections, and improved infrastructure. Following emancipation, African American communities began to develop as formerly enslaved people began to purchase property and settle in neighborhoods. One such example is the Natchez Street Historic District (NRHP 2004) dating from 1871, which is comprised of a range of dwellings from simplified bungalows, shotgun style, and Ranch houses that reflect the working-class to middle-class demographics. Notable dwellings include the MerrillWilliams House at 264 Natchez Street and the Gaylor House (Green Book House) at 253 Natchez Street. In 1875, Harvey McLemore subdivided 15 acres that became known as the Hard Bargain Neighborhood, which includes the McLemore House (NRHP 1999) at 446 11th Avenue North. Thomas Freeman, who was formerly enslaved at Carnton, constructed a home at 303 Franklin Road that still stands today. A.N.C Williams, who was also formerly enslaved, constructed a house at 202 Church Street.7 Two rows of shotgun-type houses were constructed on 1st Avenue South as part of the 1869 Lillie Mills flour production plant, which were primarily occupied by African American employees. The more eclectic Bell Town neighborhood on Cummins Street and Evans Street near Buford Street also features smaller dwellings on dense lots. Since the late twentieth century, these neighborhoods have seen increasing pressure from development and much has been lost. 7 https://usctwillcotn.blogspot.com/ 15
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