Franklin County Courthouse
Historical marker location:Mt. Vernon was established in 1849 on land donated by Stephen and Rebecca Keith, and a public square was surveyed in the 24-acre plat. When Franklin County was created in 1875, Mt. vernon was voted county seat, and a wooden building northeast of the square was used as the first courthouse. Lots on the block north of the square were soon purchased for $150 for a 2-story wooden jail costing $1,600. In 1878 a brick courthouse was built on the square at a cost of $5,500.
In 1910 county commissioners ordered an election to decide the building of a new courthouse and jail. The commissioners' court then rescinded that order, called for construction warrants to be issued without election, and levied a property tax to pay for the new buildings. Citizens filed suit against the county, and in January, 1911, the district court prevented construction from proceeding.
An appellate court overturned the decision and by December, 1911, the Texas Supreme Court had affirmed this method of financing county buildings. Within days of the landmark decision, Franklin County commissioners awarded a contract to L. R. Wright & Co. to construct this courthouse and adjacent jail. The buildings were completed in 1912 at a cost of $55,000.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The county was officially established in 1875, and it was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. The growth of the county was significantly influenced by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which brought increased commerce and opportunities for trade. The economy thrived on agriculture with cotton being the most significant crop, but by the early 20th century, dairy farming became a major industry as well.
Franklin County played a role in the timber industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The presence of vast pine forests led to the establishment of lumber mills, which helped support the local economy. However, as the demand for timber decreased and the resources were depleted, the industry declined, and agriculture became the primary source of income.
In recent years, Franklin County has embraced its historical and natural attractions, including the Old Jail Museum, which provides insight into the county's past, and Lake Cypress Springs, offering outdoor recreational activities. Today, the county continues to be a rural community with a strong sense of community and a focus on preserving its history while also looking towards the future.
Franklin County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Texas.
- 1837 - Franklin County is established on January 30.
- 1846 - The town of Mount Vernon, the county seat, is established.
- 1850 - The county's population is recorded at 1,695.
- 1887 - The Texas Midland Railroad extends its line through Franklin County.
- 1930 - The Great Depression causes economic hardships in the county.
- 1937 - Franklin County Electric Cooperative is formed to bring electricity to rural areas.
- 1968 - The completion of the Cooper Lake Dam creates Cooper Lake, attracting tourists.
- 1990 - The county's population reaches 8,904.
- 2020 - Franklin County celebrates its 183rd anniversary.