https://wikimd.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Franklin_County%2C_VirginiaFranklin County, Virginia - Revision history2026-04-28T16:17:27ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Franklin_County,_Virginia&diff=5882655&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-06-05T19:04:05Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Franklin_County_Courthouse_Rocky_Mount_Virginia.JPG|thumb|Franklin_County_Courthouse_Rocky_Mount_Virginia]] [[file:Franklin_County_Virginia_historic_marker.JPG|right|thumb|Franklin_County_Virginia_historic_marker]] {{short description|County in Virginia, United States}}<br />
{{Infobox U.S. county<br />
| name = Franklin County<br />
| official_name = County of Franklin<br />
| settlement_type = County<br />
| image_skyline = <br />
| image_caption = <br />
| image_flag = <br />
| image_seal = <br />
| image_map = Map of Virginia highlighting Franklin County.svg<br />
| map_caption = Location within the U.S. state of Virginia<br />
| coordinates = <br />
| subdivision_type = Country<br />
| subdivision_name = [[United States]]<br />
| subdivision_type1 = State<br />
| subdivision_name1 = [[Virginia]]<br />
| established_title = Founded<br />
| established_date = 1786<br />
| seat_type = County seat<br />
| seat = [[Rocky Mount, Virginia|Rocky Mount]]<br />
| area_total_sq_mi = 712<br />
| area_land_sq_mi = 690<br />
| area_water_sq_mi = 22<br />
| population_as_of = 2020<br />
| population_total = 54021<br />
| population_density_sq_mi = auto<br />
| time_zone = Eastern<br />
| utc_offset = -5<br />
| time_zone_DST = Eastern<br />
| utc_offset_DST = -4<br />
| website = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Franklin County''' is a county located in the [[Commonwealth of Virginia]]. As of the 2020 census, the population was 54,021. Its county seat is [[Rocky Mount, Virginia|Rocky Mount]]. Franklin County is part of the [[Roanoke, Virginia|Roanoke]] Metropolitan Statistical Area and is located in the Blue Ridge foothills of the [[Appalachian Mountains]].<br />
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== History ==<br />
Franklin County was established in 1786 from parts of [[Bedford County, Virginia|Bedford]] and [[Henry County, Virginia|Henry]] counties. It was named in honor of [[Benjamin Franklin]]. The county has a rich history, including its role in the [[American Civil War]] and its reputation as the "Moonshine Capital of the World" during [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]].<br />
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== Geography ==<br />
Franklin County covers a total area of 712 square miles, of which 690 square miles is land and 22 square miles is water. The county is characterized by its rolling hills, valleys, and the presence of [[Smith Mountain Lake]], a large reservoir that is a popular destination for recreation.<br />
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=== Adjacent counties ===<br />
* [[Bedford County, Virginia|Bedford County]] - northeast<br />
* [[Pittsylvania County, Virginia|Pittsylvania County]] - southeast<br />
* [[Henry County, Virginia|Henry County]] - south<br />
* [[Patrick County, Virginia|Patrick County]] - southwest<br />
* [[Floyd County, Virginia|Floyd County]] - west<br />
* [[Roanoke County, Virginia|Roanoke County]] - northwest<br />
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== Demographics ==<br />
As of the 2020 census, Franklin County had a population of 54,021. The county has a diverse population with a mix of urban and rural communities. The largest town and county seat is [[Rocky Mount, Virginia|Rocky Mount]].<br />
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== Economy ==<br />
The economy of Franklin County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The presence of [[Smith Mountain Lake]] has boosted the local economy through tourism and real estate development.<br />
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== Education ==<br />
Franklin County is served by the [[Franklin County Public Schools (Virginia)|Franklin County Public Schools]] system, which includes several elementary schools, a middle school, and [[Franklin County High School (Virginia)|Franklin County High School]].<br />
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== Transportation ==<br />
Major highways that run through Franklin County include [[U.S. Route 220 in Virginia|U.S. Route 220]] and [[Virginia State Route 40]]. The county is also served by the [[Blue Ridge Parkway]], which offers scenic views and recreational opportunities.<br />
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== Communities ==<br />
=== Towns ===<br />
* [[Boones Mill, Virginia|Boones Mill]]<br />
* [[Rocky Mount, Virginia|Rocky Mount]]<br />
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=== Census-designated places ===<br />
* [[Ferrum, Virginia|Ferrum]]<br />
* [[North Shore, Virginia|North Shore]]<br />
* [[Union Hall, Virginia|Union Hall]]<br />
* [[Westlake Corner, Virginia|Westlake Corner]]<br />
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=== Unincorporated communities ===<br />
* [[Callaway, Virginia|Callaway]]<br />
* [[Glade Hill, Virginia|Glade Hill]]<br />
* [[Penhook, Virginia|Penhook]]<br />
* [[Redwood, Virginia|Redwood]]<br />
* [[Wirtz, Virginia|Wirtz]]<br />
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== Notable people ==<br />
* [[Booker T. Washington]], an influential African American educator, author, and advisor to multiple presidents of the United States, was born in Franklin County.<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Smith Mountain Lake]]<br />
* [[Blue Ridge Mountains]]<br />
* [[Roanoke, Virginia]]<br />
* [[American Civil War]]<br />
* [[Prohibition in the United States]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
{{Commons category|Franklin County, Virginia}}<br />
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[[Category:Franklin County, Virginia]]<br />
[[Category:1786 establishments in Virginia]]<br />
[[Category:Counties of Appalachia]]<br />
[[Category:Roanoke metropolitan area]]<br />
[[Category:Counties in Virginia]]<br />
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{{Virginia-geo-stub}}</div>Prab