Franklin: A City Rich in History & Business Friendly

City of Franklin

Franklin is known for its quaint downtown Main Street that reflects its historic past and a prosperous business climate. The city was founded in 1799 and serves as the county seat of Williamson County. Franklin has been recognized with several awards and honors over the years, including “Best Southern Town” and a top “Business-Friendly City.” In August 2020, the city was given one of the ten “All-America City” awards in the United States. This award recognized its inclusive efforts toward promoting health, well-being, and strong relationships among residents, businesses, and local leaders.

Location

Franklin is located approximately 20 miles south of Nashville. It is conveniently located in the center of Williamson County, with interstate access to 1-65 and I-840.

Civil War History and Sites

New residents will quickly discover that Civil War history is a huge part of the community – so much so that the city has become a popular tourist destination. One of the most notable historic sites is the “Battle of Franklin,” where one of the largest Civil War battles took place over 150 years ago. To dive deeper into Franklin’s fascinating past, stop by the Visitors Center located at 400 Main Street. There are also several free, self-guided tours, such as the African American Heritage tour and the Tennessee Civil War Trail. 

The city’s parks department also offers a self-guided cell phone audio tour of historic sites throughout Franklin located at various historic parks. The audio tour will take you to 16 historic sites including national landmarks such as The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, and historic battle sites like Eastern Flank Battlefield Park and the Assault on the Cotton Gin. There are several Historic Parks throughout the city, including sites like Winstead Hill and Fort Granger.  Go to the city’s department of park’s website HERE to find out more.

Historic Downtown & Festivals

One of the most recognizable features of Franklin is its quaint downtown. With Victorian architecture and historically restored buildings, downtown Franklin is frequently visited by tourists and residents alike. One of Franklin’s notable buildings, the Franklin Theatre, recently renovated into a multi-use music and movie theater venue. Downtown Franklin includes 16 blocks of antique stores, gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The downtown association also hosts several annual festivals including: 

  • Main Street Festival 
  • Fourth of July celebration
  • Wine Down Main Street 
  • PumpkinFest
  • Dickens of a Christmas

Youth & Adults Organized Sports

Franklin has several organizations that can keep youth and adults active and involved.

Franklin Parks

Explore Franklin’s extensive list of parks, each offering unique amenities and experiences. Maintained by the City Parks Department, these parks provide walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing ponds, and more. Popular parks include:
  • The Park at Harlinsdale Farm – 239 Franklin Road
    • 200 acres of rolling farmland
    • 4-acre dog park
    • 3-acre catch-and-release fishing pond
    • 5k soft-turf walking/running track
    • Equestrian trail
  • Jim Warren Park – 705 Boyd Mil Ave 

 

  • 58 acres with 12 lighted baseball fields, 4 football fields, and 2 playgrounds
  • 2.5-mile walking trail
  • 16,000 sq. ft skatepark
  • Catch-and-release pond

 

  • Liberty Park: 2080 Turning Wheel Lane
    • 85 acres with tournament baseball fields
    • 10-hole disc golf course
  • Cheek Park -Joel Creek Park – Claude Yates Drive
    • Baseball field, soccer fields, playground, walking trail, concessions
  • Fly Park -3620 N Chapel Road
    • Softball fields, meeting room, pavilion, concessions
  • Judge Fulton Greer Park – 1120 Fulton Greer Lane
    • Tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, soccer fields
    • Playground, outdoor walking trail, pavilions 
  • Timberland Park – Mile Marker, 437.2 Natchez Trace Pkwy  
    • Location: Access the Natchez Trace Pkwy from Hwy 96 W. At the top of the ramp, turn south (left) onto Pkwy. Park is on the right.)
    • Interpretive center, hiking trails, ADA accessible trail, RV turnaround
  • Trinity Park – Cecil Lewis Park at Trinity – 3680 N Chapel Road 
    • Youth baseball fields, soccer fields, playground
    • Walking Trail
    • Pavilion
  • Williamson County Soccer Complexes – East & West – 1874 Downs Boulevard
    • Soccer fields, playground, walking trail, pavilion
  • Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park  – 5664 Wilkins Branch Road
    • 156 acres of hilly and wooded land
    • Single-track trail, beginner through advance flow
    • Downhill trails
    • 13 trails over approximately 6 miles
  • Aspen Grove Park – 3200 Aspen Grove Drive
    • 14 acres
    • Covered Pavilion with barbecue pit
    • .8 mile walking trail
    • Playground
  • Bicentennial Park – 400 5th Avenue N
    • Greenway, overlook of the Harpeth River is a great location for fishing  
    • Open-air pavilion with stage set for small performances and movies
    • Public plaza and picnic areas
  • Collins Farm – 418 Lewisburg Pike
    • 3 acre historic park near the Carton, Civil War home
  • Carter’s Hill Park -1259 Columbia
    • 1 acre historic park
    •  Monument to the Assault on the Cotton Gin during the Battle of Franklin 
  • Del Rio Park – 1100 Del Rio Court
    • Neighborhood park in Rogersshire Subdivision
    • Gazebo, playground and picnic table with grill
  • Dry Branch Storm Water Basin – 7001 Moores Lane
    • 6 acre passive and rustic park
    • Natural walking bath and corridors for bird watching
  • Fieldstone Park – 1377 Hillsboro Road
    • 37 acres
    • 2 large pavilions, 4 adult softball fields, playground, grills 
  • Fort Granger Park – 113 Fort Granger 
    • 14.5 acres behind Pinkerton Park
    • Walking trail to overlook south part of city
    • Historic areas surrounding of trenches dug by Civil War Troops
  • Pinkerton Park – 405 Murfreesboro Road 
    • 34 acres
    • Pedestrian bridge connecting park to downtown Franklin area
    • 3 pavilions and grills
    • 1 miles walking trail, 
    • Home to Tinkerbell Playground
  • Winstead Hill Park – 4023 Columbia Ave
    • 61 acre historic battle site
    • ¾ mile walking trail
    • Civil War monument
  • Pearlene M. Bransford Complex (COMING SOON)
    • 233 Acre Southeast Municipal Complex and Robinson Lake Area
    • Inclusive playground, football and lacrosse fields and walking trails
    • A Clean Water Facility 

Franklins’ parks also host various events year-round, including movie nights, music festivals, and arts fairs.

City Services

Franklin offers many city services and amenities for its residents. All homes and businesses receive garbage pick-up by the city, and recycling pick-up is provided for residential homes. For public transportation, residents can ride the bus or trolley throughout the city for a small fee provided by Franklin Transit Authority.

City of Brentwood
franklintn.gov/
Population: 90,026

Franklin City Hall
740 Columbia Ave (temporary offices)
Franklin, TN 37064
615-791-3217

Don't Forget!

The New Residents' Guide

Everything you need to know for relocating to Middle Tennessee

Don't Forget!

The New Residents' Guide

Everything you need to know for relocating to Middle Tennessee