FRANKLIN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES 184 Franklin’s Historic Resources Brief History of Franklin The City of Franklin was created as the seat of Williamson County in 1799. Franklin was founded along the western bank of the Big Harpeth River and named in honor of patriot Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was originally part of a 640-acre tract purchased by AbramMaury, who laid out the original boundaries and sold town lots. Within the town of Franklin, 16 blocks were laid out with each block containing 12 lots. This original town plan remains in existence today, and the (Downtown) Franklin Historic District follows its boundaries. The first courthouse was built around 1800 and was a one-story log building. It was replaced ca. 1806 with a two-story stone and brick building which stood until 1858; the present Greek Revival courthouse was built in 1859. In October of 1815, a city government consisting of a mayor and board of alderman was created and corporate boundaries were enacted. Franklin soon had several stores and taverns, as well as a number of residences. The Public Square was paved in 1820, and these and other improvements established Franklin as the commercial center of the county. Brick and frame storehouses were built around the Public Square and along Main Street. Substantial residential areas also evolved in these years to the north, west, and south of the commercial center. By the 1840s, Franklin was a busy governmental and commercial area of the state which was noted for its fine brick homes and public buildings. The city boasted a population of 1,500, five schools, four churches, three clergymen, eight doctors, seven lawyers, and various businesses. Federal style homes such as Clouston Hall and the John Eaton House were located just off the square while others were built in the Hincheyville area and on outlying streets and roads. Residences and public buildings with Greek Revival influences were constructed into the 1850s, such as the courthouse, Miller-Beasley House, and Cochrane House. Of particular notewas the Everbright mansion, which featured full-height Doric porticos on two facades (now demolished). The Italianate style was also popular before the war, and the John B. McEwen Home, at 912 Fair Street, and German House, at 123 Fifth Avenue North, are both fine examples of this style. By 1860, dozens of fine brick homes lined Franklin's streets, and many brick commercial buildings were located around the Public Square. The Civil War began in 1861, and the U.S. Army regained control of Franklin in 1862. The townwas heavily fortified by U.S. Army troops, who built Fort Granger on the north side of the Big Harpeth River. Fighting occurred throughout the county, with major engagements occurring at Brentwood to the north and Thompson Station to the south. On the eve of November 30th, 1864, Franklin Brief History of Franklin
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1Mzc2