History of Franklin County, Alabama

by hotelaah · October 8, 2024

Franklin County, established on February 6, 1818, is one of Alabama’s oldest counties. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it has a rich history tied to Native American heritage, agriculture, and industry. The county, named after Benjamin Franklin, has seen significant growth and transformation over the centuries, from its early settlement to its role in the development of industry in the Tennessee Valley. With its scenic landscapes, including the Dismals Canyon and Bear Creek, Franklin County blends historical significance with natural beauty. Today, it continues to evolve while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

County Facts:

Founded: February 6, 1818
Population: Approximately 32,113 (2020 Census)
Area: 647 square miles
Area Codes: 256, 938
ZIP Codes: 35571, 35582, 35653, 35654
County Seat: Russellville
Major Cities and Towns: Russellville, Red Bay, Phil Campbell, Vina
Famous Landmarks:
- Dismals Canyon
- Bear Creek Lakes
- Red Bay Museum
- Franklin County Archives
- Alabama Music Hall of Fame (located nearby in Muscle Shoals)

Pre-European Contact and Native American History (Before 1817)

Native American Inhabitants

Before European settlers arrived, the area that is now Franklin County was home to Native American tribes, primarily the Cherokee and Chickasaw nations. These tribes had a strong connection to the land, which provided them with fertile grounds for agriculture, hunting, and fishing. The Tennessee River, just to the north, played a critical role in trade and transportation for these Native American groups.

The area was known for its ancient Native American trails, which were used by the Chickasaw and Cherokee for travel and trade between their territories. Evidence of these early inhabitants remains in the form of mounds, artifacts, and other archaeological sites scattered throughout the region.

European Exploration and Early Settlements (1540–1818)

Hernando de Soto’s Expedition (1540)

In 1540, Hernando de Soto and his Spanish expedition were the first Europeans to travel through the region. Though they did not establish permanent settlements, de Soto’s interactions with Native American tribes in the area were among the earliest recorded European contacts with the native peoples of the Southeast. The expedition passed through northern Alabama, likely encountering both the Chickasaw and Cherokee during their search for gold and other resources.

Treaty of Chickasaw and Cherokee Land Cessions (1805–1816)

In the early 19th century, the U.S. government negotiated treaties with Native American tribes to cede their lands in the region. The Treaty of 1816 with the Chickasaw and Cherokee tribes opened up vast portions of present-day Alabama, including what is now Franklin County, for settlement by European-American settlers. These treaties marked the beginning of the forced removal of Native American populations from their ancestral lands, which culminated in the Trail of Tears in the 1830s.

Early Settlements and Formation of Franklin County (1818)

Following the land cessions, European-American settlers began moving into the area, attracted by the fertile soil and the availability of land for farming. On February 6, 1818, Franklin County was officially established by the Alabama Territorial Legislature, named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. At the time of its formation, Franklin County encompassed a much larger area than it does today, including land that would later become part of several other counties.

Antebellum Period and Agricultural Growth (1818–1860)

Agricultural Expansion and Economy

During the early 19th century, Franklin County’s economy was primarily based on agriculture. Settlers established small farms and plantations, focusing on crops such as cotton, corn, and tobacco. The fertile lands of the region, coupled with the mild climate, made it an ideal location for growing cotton, which became the dominant crop by the 1830s.

The use of enslaved African Americans to work the cotton fields was a common practice in Franklin County, as it was across much of the South. The cotton boom led to economic growth, with Russellville and other small towns serving as trade centers where agricultural products were bought and sold.

Transportation and Infrastructure Development

As the population of Franklin County grew, so did the need for better transportation infrastructure. The construction of roads and railroads played a key role in connecting the county to larger markets in Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. The Jackson Military Road, constructed in the early 19th century, was one of the key routes that passed through the area, linking it to the larger cities of the South and providing access to important trade routes.

Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877)

Franklin County in the Civil War (1861–1865)

When Alabama seceded from the Union in January 1861, Franklin County, like the rest of the state, supported the Confederacy. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the county’s agricultural output, particularly cotton, was used to support the Confederate war effort.

The county itself saw limited military action during the Civil War, though skirmishes occurred in nearby areas, and Union raids targeted infrastructure and supplies. Franklin County’s proximity to Tennessee, a border state with both Union and Confederate sympathies, made it a strategic location during the conflict.

The war had a devastating impact on the county’s economy. The end of slavery and the destruction of property, including farms and infrastructure, left the county in a state of economic collapse by the end of the war in 1865.

Reconstruction and Economic Challenges (1865–1877)

Following the Civil War, Franklin County, like much of the South, faced significant economic and social challenges. The emancipation of enslaved African Americans meant that the plantation system had collapsed, and many former slaves became sharecroppers or tenant farmers, working the land for a share of the crops. However, this system often left both Black and white farmers in debt and poverty.

During Reconstruction, federal troops were stationed in Alabama to enforce laws and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans. In Franklin County, the Reconstruction period was marked by political and social upheaval, as efforts to rebuild the economy and integrate freedmen into society were met with resistance from white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.

Industrial Growth and the Early 20th Century (1877–1940)

Industrial Development and the Timber Industry (1877–1900)

By the late 19th century, Franklin County’s economy began to diversify beyond agriculture. The timber industry became an important part of the county’s economic growth, as the vast forests of northern Alabama were harvested for lumber. The construction of railroads in the area facilitated the transportation of timber to markets across the Southeast.

Small manufacturing industries also began to emerge, particularly in the county seat of Russellville. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s spurred further growth in the county’s towns and cities, as new businesses and industries developed to take advantage of improved transportation networks.

The Great Depression’s Impact on Franklin County (1930s)

The Great Depression of the 1930s hit Franklin County hard, as it did much of rural Alabama. The collapse of agricultural prices, particularly cotton, led to widespread poverty and unemployment. Many farmers were unable to pay their debts, and the sharecropping system became increasingly unsustainable.

In response to the economic crisis, the federal government’s New Deal programs provided some relief to the county. Projects such as the construction of Bear Creek Dam and improvements to infrastructure helped create jobs and provided a boost to the local economy. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) also played a role in Franklin County during the Depression, building parks, roads, and other public works projects.

World War II and Post-War Development (1941–1960)

World War II and Its Aftermath

World War II brought significant changes to Franklin County’s economy. Many young men from the county enlisted in the military, and the war effort stimulated industrial production in the region. The construction of military installations and the demand for manufactured goods led to economic growth in nearby areas, including the Tennessee Valley, which benefited from the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

After the war, Franklin County experienced a period of prosperity, as returning veterans and the growth of industries such as textiles and manufacturing contributed to economic development. The TVA’s development of dams and hydroelectric power in the Tennessee Valley helped provide electricity to rural areas, further spurring growth in Franklin County.

The Rise of the Textile Industry

In the post-war years, the textile industry became a major employer in Franklin County, with several mills opening in towns like Russellville and Red Bay. The availability of cheap labor and the presence of the TVA’s electrical infrastructure made the area attractive to textile manufacturers. These industries provided jobs for many local residents and contributed to the county’s economic growth during the 1950s and 1960s.

Civil Rights Movement and Modern Franklin County (1960–Present)

Civil Rights Movement (1960s)

During the 1960s, Franklin County, like much of Alabama, was impacted by the Civil Rights Movement. Although the county did not see the large-scale protests that occurred in cities like Birmingham or Montgomery, the movement’s influence was felt through efforts to desegregate schools, public facilities, and businesses. The African American community in Franklin County worked to secure equal rights and improve opportunities in education, employment, and voting.

Economic Transition and Challenges (1970s–1990s)

By the 1970s, Franklin County’s economy began to transition as the textile industry, which had once been a major employer, started to decline due to automation and competition from overseas manufacturers. The closure of textile mills and the loss of manufacturing jobs led to rising unemployment and economic difficulties for many residents.

To address these challenges, the county began to focus on diversifying its economy. The development of tourism became an important part of this strategy, particularly with the promotion of Dismals Canyon, a unique natural area that attracts visitors from across the country. The Bear Creek Lakes system also became a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and camping.

Modern-Day Franklin County (2000s–Present)

In recent decades, Franklin County has continued to face economic challenges, but efforts to revitalize the local economy have been successful in some areas. The county has worked to attract new industries, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors, while also promoting its natural beauty and historical significance as a draw for tourism.

The county seat of Russellville remains the center of economic and political activity, with a growing population and a mix of small businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities. The town of Red Bay has also seen growth, particularly with the development of recreational facilities and its proximity to natural attractions like Bear Creek and the Tennessee River.