County History

"The City of Franklin was founded October 26, 1799 and was named after Benjamin Franklin, a close friend of Dr. Hugh Williamson, a member of the Continental Congress for whom Williamson County was named. For most of its first 180 years, Franklin was a tranquil, small county seat. In the years prior to the Civil War, Williamson County was one of the wealthiest counties in Tennessee and Franklin the center of plantation economy." - City of Franklin

It is also the home of the "Battle of Franklin", which was one of the bloodiest and most intense battles of the Civil War lasting five hours on November 30, 1864 and costing 8,000 lives. Today you can visit the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, and soon you'll be able to visit the restored battlefield itself.

It took Franklin 120 years to regain its pre-Civil War wealth, but today Williamson County is one of the wealthiest counties in the nation. The county and city planning commissions have worked hard to preserve Williamson County. Through their efforts, and the efforts of others, new residents will find a county that is family-friendly and has a strong sense of community.