Historical Markers in
Franklin County, Tennessee

Allan Gipson Army of Tennessee Bank of Winchester Built 1870s Built 1880s Built 1885 Built 1889 Built 1889 Built 1889 Built 1890 Built 1890s Built 1890s Built 1891 Built 1893 Built 1894 Built 1896 Built 1898 Built 1899 Built 1899 Built 1900 Built 1900 Built 1902 Built 1902 Built 1903 Built 1904 Built 1906 Built 1911 Built 1912 Built 1914 Built 1916 Built 1916 Built 1920 Built 1920 Built 1920s Built 1923 Built 1924 Built 1926 Built 1930 Built 1934 Built 1934 Built 1935 Built 1935 Built 1937 Built 1947 Built 1950 Built 1958 Built 1959 Built 1963 Camp Harris Captain Samuel Handly Carrick Academy Colonel James Lewis Cowan Railroad Museum Cowan, Tennessee Desegregation of Franklin County Public Schools Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? / Franklin County Courthouse Did You Know? / Knies Blacksmith Shop / Home Bank & Trust Company Edmund Kirby Smith Falls Mill First United Church, U.C.C. Goshen Cumberland Presbyterian Church Hunter's Grocery Huntland Veterans Memorial In Memory of Our Franklin County War Dead Isham G. Harris James Winchester Jesse Bean John Ruch Mary Sharp College Mary Sharp College Passing Through Cowan Peter Turney Polly Finlay Crockett Rebel's Rest Saints Rest Secession The Blind Knight The Franklin County Confederate Memorial Cemetery Trinity Episcopal Church Tullahoma Campaign Tullahoma Campaign University of the South Winchester's Civil War Sites "Kentuck"
The town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, is known for its annual Webb School Arts and Crafts Festival, which has been held every October since 1976. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Tennessee random facts
Franklin County, located in the southern part of Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history dating back centuries. The region was originally home to Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee and Creek nations, who thrived on the fertile land and abundant natural resources of the area. However, European settlers began to move into the region during the 18th century, disrupting the established indigenous communities.

The county was officially established in 1807, named after founding father Benjamin Franklin. Like much of Tennessee, Franklin County relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton becoming a predominant crop in the early 19th century. The county's abundance of rivers and streams played a crucial role in supporting thriving agricultural practices. The advent of the railroad in the mid-1800s further facilitated trade and boosted the local economy.

Franklin County witnessed significant developments during the Civil War, as it was situated on the cusp of Union and Confederate territories. The county saw both Union and Confederate troops pass through its lands, and several skirmishes occurred in the area. The battle of the neighboring community, the Battle of Chickamauga, marked a turning point in the war. Many Franklin County residents served in the military during the war, and the aftermath brought economic challenges and the need for rebuilding.

Throughout the 20th century, Franklin County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. Manufacturing, particularly in the automotive and textile industries, became major contributors to the local economy. Today, the county continues to balance its rural character with economic growth, promoting tourism and emphasizing its natural beauty, including the scenic Cumberland Plateau and the Tims Ford Lake. Franklin County's rich history is preserved and celebrated through various historical sites, museums, and festivals for residents and visitors to enjoy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Franklin County, Tennessee.

  • 1807 - Franklin County is established
  • 1808 - Winchester becomes the county seat
  • 1820 - Franklin County's first courthouse is built
  • 1842 - The first jail is constructed in Winchester
  • 1850 - The Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad reaches Franklin County
  • 1863 - The Battle of Chickamauga takes place, impacting Franklin County
  • 1880 - Sewanee: The University of the South is founded
  • 1915 - Franklin County Farmers' Cooperative is organized
  • 1940 - The construction of Tims Ford Dam begins
  • 1950 - Tims Ford Reservoir is completed
  • 2003 - The historic Cowan Railroad Museum opens