Franklin, TN

Located less than 20 miles from Nashville, the small city of Franklin was founded in 1799 and was named after the great Benjamin Franklin. Its population is about 55,000, and its area is just 30 square miles. Franklin has considerable ties to American history: During the Civil War, the Battle of Franklin was fought here. Almost 10,000 soldiers were wounded, killed, or listed as missing as a result of that battle, making it one of the bloodiest in history. Although Franklin had a rich plantation economy, the city was devastated by the war.

Named as one of the Top 100 Places to Live and Top 10 Places to Retire by Money magazine, Franklin has since built itself into a very wealthy city and is the county seat of Williamson County, one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. Values for single-family homes in Franklin average almost twice the average for the state of Tennessee.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Franklin is one of the top fifty cities to start a small business, for its affordability, availability of a talented labor pool, existence of a thriving business community and quality of life. Companies doing business in Franklin include Nissan North America, Mars Pet Care, and Community Health Systems.

While companies employ approximately 82 percent of workers, the government employs 8 percent workers and 6 percent are self-employed.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Franklin's historic Downtown boasts more than 70 antique shops, art galleries, retail stores, and restaurants, mostly local businesses but a few chains, such as Starbucks. A trolley bus runs through this 15-block area, in which Victorian buildings still stand. This district is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown is the location of government offices and some churches with a long presence in the town.

Housing in Franklin ranges from Civil War era homes to small bungalows built during the 1940s and 1950s to a variety of standard subdivisions built over the past 50 years. The city has put a high priority on maintaining the small-town feel central Franklin and has designated "character districts" with an eye toward preserving the unique nature of each area. One neighborhood slated for protection is Natchez settled by freed slaves after emancipation and today still occupied by their descendants.

FOR VISITORS

Franklin is home to many historic sites and has more than 70 listings on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of these sites were battlegrounds during the Civil War and have been restored for the public to view. These and its other attractions contributed to Franklin being listed in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, by travel writer Patricia Schultz.

Carnton Plantation: This property has served several functions since the mansion was built in 1826. It was originally a farm, as well as a venue for political and social functions, but it was later used as a hospital for soldiers during the Battle of Franklin in 1864. Carnton is now a museum and serves as a memorial, with more than 1,500 soldiers buried on the property. It is the largest privately owned military cemetery.

Carter House: This home was built in 1830 and was taken over by Union troops during the Battle of Franklin. The Carter family sought refuge in their basement while the fighting took place around their home. Like Carnton, the home was turned into a makeshift hospital during and after the battle. Tours of the grounds are open to the public.

Fort Granger: This park overlooks the city of Franklin and is surrounded by trenches that were dug by soldiers during the Civil War. A walking trail leads to Pinkerton Park, which has picnic tables, pavilions, and a playground.

BEST BETS

The Factory at Franklin: The Factory was built in 1929 and served as a manufacturing plant for Magic Chef, Jamison Bedding, and Dortch Stove Works. It has been renovated and now serves as a market for art, handmade crafts, antiques, clothing, and décor. In addition, it is available for rental and has a full schedule of events, no matter the season. The Factory is also home to the Boiler Room Theatre and several restaurants.

Tours: There are several walking and driving tours available in Franklin. Some are guided, while others are self-guided. Examples include ghost tours, historical tours, children's tours, and scenic tours. The Williamson County Visitors Center, located in downtown Franklin, has maps and brochures and can arrange tours for visitors.

McLemore House African-American Museum: This home was built in 1880 and was the home of an ex-slave. It remained in his family through five generations and is the oldest remaining African-American home in Franklin. It has since been turned into a museum, which operates tours by appointment only.

Cool Springs Climbing Center: With more than 6,700 square feet of climbing walls, the Cool Springs Climbing Center lets adults and children alike enjoy the challenge of indoor rock climbing.

EVENTS

The city of Franklin is quite active and hosts festivals throughout the year:

• Feile Franklin (includes tastings of Irish beer), held in March
• Main Street Festival in April
• Town & Country Tour of Homes, held in June
• Franklin Jazz Festival, held every August
• Heritage Ball (a benefit white-tie gala) in September
• Pumpkinfest, Franklin's annual Halloween event
• Wine Down Main Street, held in November
• Dickens of a Christmas, appropriately held every December

Many of these festivals are free, but some, such as the Heritage Ball, are quite pricey. All the events listed are open to the public and take place on weekends.

EDUCATION

There are several colleges and universities located in Franklin:

• O'More College of Design
• Williamson Christian College
• Columbia State Community College: Williamson campus
• Belmont University at Cool Springs