Williamson County's first courthouses, one log, one brick, were in the center of the square.
This the third, completed in 1858 under the supervision of John W. Miller, is one of seven antebellum courthouses in Tennessee.
The four iron columns were smeltered at Fernvale and cast at a Franklin foundry.
It was used as Federal headquarters during the Civil War and served as a hospital after the Battle of Franklin.
The interior was remodeled in 1937, 1964, and 1976. The annex was added in 1976.
The city of Franklin was founded October 26, 1799.
The city was named after Benjamin Franklin, a close friend of Dr. Hugh Williamson,
a member of the Continental congress for whom Williamson County was named.
Population of Franklin: 20,100
Elevation: 646' Above Sea Level
The City Of Franklin Home Page
Of historic interest in Franklin are the 1831 St. Paul's Episcopal Church at the corner of West Main and 6th Avenue, and the first three-story building constructed in Tennessee, the 1823 Masonic Hall on 2nd Avenue.At least 10 historic homes are featured on the Heritage Foundation Town and Country tour, held the first weekend in May.
On November 30, 1864, Franklin was the site of a major Civil War battle on the banks of the Harpeth River between Confederate forces and Union forces. Five hours of intense fighting resulted in the death, wounding or capture of more than 6,000 Confederate soldiers and 2,000 Union soldiers. The confederacy lost six generals, seven more were among those wounded or captured. Many markers and other reminders recall the battle, one of the Civil War's most decisive and bloodiest.Read about the Battle of Franklin, check out the latest efforts to Save The Franklin Battlefield, and learn other important Civil War information.
