Franklin, Kentucky

History

Franklin was formally incorporated by the state assembly on November 2, 1820, on a 62-acre (250,000 m²) tract of land. This tract was purchased from William Hudspeth and was named for Benjamin Franklin. The post office was established on September 29, 1822, with Robert W. Simpson as postmaster.

On March 1, 1968, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash were married at the Methodist church in Franklin by Reverend Leslie Chapman.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Franklin has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Geography

Franklin is located at 36°43′21″N 86°34′39″W (36.722487, -86.577566).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.4 square miles (19 km²), all land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 7,996 people, 3,251 households, and 2,174 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,074.7 people per square mile (415.0/km²). There were 3,609 housing units at an average density of 485.1 per square mile (187.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 80.99% White, 16.76% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.81% of the population.

There were 3,251 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,001, and the median income for a family was $38,807. Males had a median income of $30,955 versus $21,783 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,467. About 10.9% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 18.1% of those age 65 or over.

Primary schools

Secondary schools

Alternative school

Places of worship

The following churches are listed by name, with their denomination in parentheses.

Former places of worship

Notable people

Points of interest

Simpson County Courthouse (Kentucky)