A LITTLE ABOUT FRANKLIN COUNTY

Miscellaneous and fun facts for the curious.


OUR NAME - Yes, you guessed it, we are named after Benjamin Franklin and no, he never slept here.

LOCATION - North Central Iowa - 42° 44’30.61” N 93° 12.08’.94”W Latitude: 42 45N Longitude: 093 11W

GOVERNMENT - Three member Board of Supervisors. Incorporated communities have their own mayors and city councils.

POPULATION - 2000 Census, 10,704 Est. 2005 10,732

ANCESTRY - We are a good mix of many nationalities, but are predominately of German heritage.

HISTORY - The first Franklin County settlers arrived in 1852. Job Garner built the first cabin, and the first house in Hampton was built in 1865 on what is now known as the Hotel Coonley block. The first courthouse for the county was erected in 1857.

FAMOUS PEOPLE - Author/Artist Bob Artley, Jack Bailey - "Queen for a Day" Television host, William D. Leahy, 5-star fleet admiral for the Navy, Dr.Milton Wirtz - Inventor of the acrylic artificial eye, Attorney James E. Coonley, Sr - successfully prosecuted the first drunk-driving charge in the US using blood alcohol evidence

WEATHER - We enjoy temp averages in the upper 70's to 80's in the summer and temps below 32 during the winter months. Our falls are classic sweater-weather with great foliage and our springs bring the showers the flowers need.

While not losing sight of our roots, we stride into the future with confidence and optimism. There is a definate place in this world for communities like ours and we would love to have you join us.