National Register Listings in
Franklin County, Virginia

Booker T. Washington National Monument Boones Mill Depot Boones Mill Historic District Booth-Lovelace House Bowman Farm Brooks-Brown House Burwell-Holland House Cahas Mountain Rural Historic District Dudley, Gwin, Home Site Early, Jubal A., House Elms, The Evergreen-Callaway-Deyerle House Farm, The Ferrum College Historic District Finney-Lee House Franklin High School Gymnasium and Agricultural & Shop Building Franklin Historic District Franklin Historic District (Boundary Increase) Greer House Holland-Duncan House Hook-Powell-Moorman Farm Piedmont Mill Historic District Rocky Mount Historic District Rocky Mount Historic District (Boundary Increase) Snow Creek Anglican Church Washington Iron Furnace Waverly Woods Hill Woods-Meade House
Virginia was home to some of the earliest organized resistance to British rule, with the formation of the Sons of Liberty in the mid-1760s.
Virginia random facts
Franklin County, located in the state of Virginia, has a rich history that spans over two centuries. It was officially established in 1785 and named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. The area had been inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Siouan-speaking Monacan Indians, for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

During the 18th century, settlers from Scotland and Ireland began to migrate to the region, drawn by its fertile soil and natural resources. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early development, with tobacco and wheat being major crops. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century further boosted the county's economy and led to the growth of small towns and communities.

The county's history is intertwined with the American Civil War, as it became a battlefield and was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces. Several notable engagements took place in Franklin County, including the Battle of Rocky Mount in 1863. The aftermath of the war saw the county experience economic hardship, but it gradually recovered with the emergence of industries like textiles, tobacco processing, and furniture manufacturing.

In the 20th century, Franklin County witnessed social and cultural changes. The Great Depression and World War II brought challenges, but the county's resilience prevailed. The construction of Smith Mountain Lake in the 1960s brought new recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Today, Franklin County continues to evolve, balancing its agricultural heritage with a growing economy based on manufacturing, technology, and tourism.

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

  • 1785 - Franklin County is established as a county in the state of Virginia.
  • 1790 - The county's first courthouse is built in the town of Prestonville.
  • 1831 - The county seat is moved to the town of Rocky Mount.
  • 1870s - The construction of the Norfolk and Western Railway brings economic growth and development to the county.
  • 1916 - The Smith Mountain Dam is completed on the Roanoke River, creating Smith Mountain Lake.
  • 1960s - The construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway through Franklin County enhances tourism in the area.
  • 1990s - The county experiences population growth and increased commercial development.
  • 2010s - Franklin County's agriculture industry remains strong, with a focus on tobacco, livestock, and vineyards.