The Town of Franklin is a suburban industrial community on the watershed between the Charles and the Blackstone Rivers, 22 miles southwest of Boston.. Settled in 1676, Franklin spent its first hundred years as the western part of the Town of Wrentham. Incorporated on February 16, 1778, Franklin became the first town in the United States to name itself in honor of the great statesman, Benjamin Franklin. In 1786 Ambassador Franklin showed his appreciation of the tribute by sending the town a library of 116 volumes which formed the nucleus of "America's First Public Library". Commercially, the early years saw settlers involved in small scale farming and grazing, but the town's abundant water power ensured early industrial development. There were cotton mills, felt makers and boot and shoe manufacturers established in Franklin in the 18th and 19th century, but the dominant industry in the town was the making of straw bonnets, and Franklin became one of the centers of straw bonnet manufacturing.

Today Franklin is a large family-oriented community with programs and activities for all ages. New and newly renovated schools offer an abundance of extracurricular activities, an active Senior Center provides meals and transportation for the elderly, the Franklin Public Library offers numerous programs for children and adults and actively supports the school curriculum. Franklin is host to many holiday and cultural events such as the Annual 4th of July Celebration on the historic Common, and the Feast of St. Rocco. Franklin prides itself on the wide spectrum of architectural styles preserved in the community. Visitors can see handsome Greek revival and Italianate buildings, as well as High Victorian Gothic, Second Empire and Queen Ann, among others. Many of these lovely historic buildings are home to the offices and dormitories of Dean College.

Business is continually growing in Franklin. The town's 2 industrial parks house a variety of business from Research and Development to Manufacturing and Distribution companies. However, Franklin is still able to maintain the quintessential New England small-town feel with its old fashioned downtown of locally owned small businesses.

(Narrative based on information provided by the Massachusetts Historical Commission & the Franklin Public Library))

General Information

Demographics(2000 U.S. Census)

For more detailed Demographic and Statistical information on the Town of Franklin, search these websites:

MISER at the University of Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Employment and Training - MassStats

American Factfinder(U.S. Census Bureau)