Franklin County Ramble

Franklin County Ramble 

Saturday, May 16 

Franklin County was formed in 1779, and with convenient access to lucrative markets in Virginia, residents adopted a plantation economy based on cotton and tobacco cash crops by the nineteenth century. Franklin became not only one of the richest counties in the state, but it was also one of the few with a majority Black population. A network of plantations formed an interesting body of architectural resources, complemented by institutions including churches, schools, the Franklin Male Academy, and Louisburg College. Enterprising citizens invested in the establishment ofmills, stores, and cotton gins that complete a full expression of a rural landscape.  

The Franklin County Ramble will explore a variety of sites, including notable properties protected by PNC including Woodleaf Plantation (1820), the Jones Cooke House (1841) and the Shem Kearney House (1758). Jump in your car and get ready to Ramble with us!