Founded in the 1870s, Franklin, Nebraska was named for Benjamin Franklin. Of course, the area was inhabited prior to this time, as thousands of years before the area of the town site of Franklin and the Republican River were frequented by a nomadic people who were probably the ancestors of the Pawnee Indians. The first European explorer in the area was likely Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who visited the region in 1541. In 1806, the American explorer, Zebulon Pike, met with the Pawnee Indians near Red Cloud, and described the region as a hunter’s paradise. A settlement was made there in the winter of 1866 and 1867, but was abandoned after the local Indians applied pressure. It wasn’t until the 1870s, however, that the area was permanently settled by European Americans. Franklin City was founded in 1870 and, in 1871, Waterloo was founded just east of there. Later, the post office for Franklin City was moved to Waterloo, but retained the name of Franklin City, so Waterloo also became Franklin City. Franklin City was named the county seat in 1871. In 1874, the county seat was moved to Bloomington, but Franklin City got it back in 1920. The current city of Franklin is centered in an area between the original Franklin City and Waterloo, but includes both of these historic settlements.
Recommended Resources
Crossgate is a Missionary Church in Franklin, Nebraska. Its history and an overview of the denomination and local church are presented, including its ministries, service schedules, calendar of events, and leadership contacts.
http://www.crossgatecommunitychurch.com/
Franklin County Memorial Hospital
Located in Franklin, Nebraska, and owned by the county, FCMH offers hospital services, medical and specialty clinics, physical therapy, and other services. Its locations, career information, and a calendar of events is presented. Patients may pay bills through the site.
http://www.fcmh.com/
Located in south-central Nebraska, the county seat of Franklin County is the city of Franklin. The official county government website features a map showing the location of the county within the state, election results, real estate and property tax data, and a calendar of events.
http://www.co.franklin.ne.us/
The 9-hole golf course is governed by a board of directors. Its location, rates and fees, a calendar of events, and a profile of the course is offered.
http://www.franklinnegolf.com/
Created by county supervisors in 1871, FPS is a public school district in Franklin, Nebraska offering a PK-12th grade curriculum within one campus. Its history, board of education and faculty are identified, with contacts, as well as an overview of its academic, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
http://fpsflyers.org/
Established in 1901, the Franklin, Nebraska bank offers full banking services, including checking and savings accounts, retirement accounts, certificates of deposit and debit cards, as well as auto, agriculture, home and business loans. Its location, hours, and online services are discussed.
http://www.franklinstatebank.net/
Named for Ben Franklin, the city is situated along the Republican River. Its official website features a guide to area recreational opportunities, businesses, schools, and health services, along with a history of the community.
http://www.franklinnebraska.com/
The full-service funeral home is located in the city of Franklin, Nebraska. Directions and a profile of the facilities and its services, policies, and resources are featured, and obituaries are published to the site.
http://www.hutchinsfh.com/
