National Register Listings in
Franklin County, Missouri

Abkemeyer, John, House AME Church of New Haven Bartelmann, Henry, House Bartsch-Jasper House Beinke, Henry F., House Beins, Henry, House Bethel Church Brehe Farmstead Historic District Broeker, H.P., House Broeker, John H., House Buhr, Henry J., House Busch, John B., Brewery Historic District Busch, John B., Brewery Historic District (Boundary Increase) Caldwell Farm Degen, Henry, House Downtown Washington Historic District Eitzen, Henry Charles, Building Ernst, Henry and Elizabeth, House Fore Shoe Company Building Grauer, Gustav, Farm Helm, Charles H., House Helm, John and Wilhelmina, House International Shoe Company Building Jones, Stephen M., Building Keller, Christian and Anna, Farmstead Kohmueller, Louis, House Krog, Albert, House Kruse, Casper, House Locust Street Historic District May, Dr. H.A., House Mense, Frank, House Meramec State Park Beach Area Historic District Meramec State Park Lookout House/Observation Tower Meramec State Park Pump House Meramec State Park Shelter House Meyer, John, House Monje, Paul, House Moselle Iron Furnace Stack New Haven Commercial Historic District New Haven Residential Historic District North, James, House O'Hara, Mark, House Old Gerald School Panhorst Feed Store Pelster, Wilhelm, House-Barn Peters, Louis H., House Raaf, Joseph, House Schnier, Fred, Building Schwarzer, Franz, House Schwegmann, John F., House Spaunhorst and Mayn Building St. Albans Farms Stone Barn St. Albans General Store Stafford-Olive Historic District Tamm, George, Building Thias, Henry C., House Tibbe Historic District Tuepker, Jonathan L., House Twelker, Christopher and Johanna, Farm Vitt, William T., House Wehrmann, Louis, Building
The St. Louis World's Fair, also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was held in St. Louis in 1904 and attracted millions of visitors from around the world. It was where the ice cream cone was first introduced, and also featured the first Olympic Games held in the United States.
Franklin County, Missouri boasts a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. Settlement in the area began in the late 18th century, with the arrival of French fur trappers and traders. These early pioneers were soon followed by German immigrants, who established farms and brought with them a strong agricultural tradition that continues to this day.

The county was officially created in 1818 and named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers. Located along the picturesque banks of the Missouri River, Franklin County quickly became an important transportation hub, with riverboats playing a crucial role in the county's economic development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further solidified Franklin County's importance as a center of commerce and trade.

Like many areas in Missouri, Franklin County played a significant role in the American Civil War. The Battle of Boeuf River occurred in 1861, a skirmish that resulted in a Union victory and helped solidify control of the region. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and struggles during the war, leaving a lasting impact on the local community.

In the years following the Civil War, Franklin County experienced rapid growth and development. The county's agricultural economy flourished, with the production of tobacco, livestock, and dairy products playing a pivotal role. The county also saw the emergence of mining as a vital industry, as rich iron deposits were discovered in the region. This led to the establishment of numerous iron and steel foundries, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the county's prosperity.

Today, Franklin County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. It embraces its historic roots, with many preserved buildings and landmarks reflecting its past. While the county has seen modernization and advancements, it remains deeply connected to its agricultural heritage and maintains its welcoming small-town charm.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Franklin County, Missouri.

  • 1818: Franklin County is established as one of the original five counties in the Missouri Territory.
  • 1827: The town of Union is founded as the county seat of Franklin County.
  • 1835: Construction of the first railroad, the Pacific Railroad, begins in Franklin County.
  • 1850: The population of Franklin County reaches over 11,000.
  • 1861-1865: Franklin County residents actively participate in the American Civil War, with some supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy.
  • 1875: The Washington Manufacturing Company is established, bringing industrialization to Franklin County.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes economic hardship in Franklin County, with many residents struggling to find work.
  • 1950s: Franklin County experiences a period of rapid growth and development, with new infrastructure and industries being established.
  • 1982: The Great Flood of '82 devastates Franklin County, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
  • 2000s: Franklin County becomes a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and historical sites.