Welcome Sign
One of the things that makes Franklin unique among American towns is proudly displayed on this welcome sign: it is the home of the nation’s first public library.
The story begins in 1778 then the town, newly incorporated, chose to name itself after Benjamin Franklin. The citizens asked Franklin for a bell for their town and Franklin, instead, to donate a collection of books. His gift became the foundation of what is widely recognized as America’s first public library, a distinction Franklin continues to celebrate more than two centuries later.
The sign also recognized Franklin’s commitment to honoring military service. Beneath the library designation is a marker paying tribute to America’s Combat Wounded Warriors through the Purple Heart program. It serves as a reminder that while Franklin values education and learning, it also remembers those who sacrificed in service to the nation.
I enjoy exploring communities that embrace the stories that make them unique. Many towns are known for a battle, a factory, or a famous resident. Franklin proudly identifies itself with the power of books and learning. The combination of a public library and a tribute to veterans says something about the values of this community. As you enter Franklin, the sign offers a powerful welcome: this is a town that believes education matters and that those who have served will not be forgotten.
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Mourning Doughboy
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Birthplace of Horace Mann
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St. Mary’s Catholic Church
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