Dean College
Dean College is another institution that reinforces how the town of Franklin identities itself with education. Founded in 1865, shortly after the Civil War, Dean College has been part of Franklin’s landscape for generations and remains one of the landmarks of the town center.
The school was originally founded as Dean Academy through the generosity of Dr. Oliver Dean, a Franklin resident, physician, businessman and philanthropist. Dean accumulated wealth through farming, land holdings and local business ventures and believed strongly in the importance of education and opportunity. Upon his death in 1865, he left funds in his estate to establish an academy in Franklin for the education of local students. The academy opened the following year, carrying forward his vision of creating educational opportunities within his home community.
Originally, Dean Academy functioned as a preparatory academy or advanced secondary school. In the nineteenth century, academies like this provided education beyond the local common school system and helped prepare students for teaching, business or further higher education. Dean Academy was co-educational from its founding and welcomed both men and women into its educational programs.
In its early decades, many students attended Dean Academy to prepare to become teachers. Teacher preparation and moral education were considered essential parts of nineteenth-century educational philosophy. Schools like Dean were expected not only to educate students academically, but also to help shape character, discipline and leadership.
The brick gateway and enclosed campus create a transition from the surrounding streets into the academic setting beyond. Walking through the entrance, there is a sense of entering a place intentionally devoted to learning and community life.
At the center of the courtyard stands a World War I memorial fountain honoring members of the Dean Academy community who served during the war. Positioned directly in front of one of the college’s historic buildings, the memorial connects education and civic responsibility.
Walking through Franklin, you begin to see that there is a connected story about what the town has chosen to value and preserve: education, public service, historical memory, and that belief that communities are strengthened when they continue teaching future generations about both knowledge and sacrifice.
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