Franklin, Massachusetts
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| Franklin, Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Name | Franklin |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Massachusetts |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Norfolk County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1660 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1778 |
| Government type | Representative town meeting |
| Area total km2 | 70.0 |
| Area land km2 | 68.8 |
| Area water km2 | 1.2 |
| Population total | 33645 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 42, 05, 00, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 02038 |
| Area code | 508 / 774 |
| Website | www.franklinma.gov |
Franklin, Massachusetts. Franklin is a town in Norfolk County, first settled in 1660 and officially incorporated in 1778. It was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, who donated a collection of books to the town's first library. The community is known for its historic town common, strong public school system, and as the birthplace of America's first public library.
History
The area was originally part of the Praying Indian town of Wampanoag Nation known as Wampanoag Punkapoag, before being purchased by settlers from Massachusetts Bay Colony officials in 1660. It was officially set off from Wrentham and incorporated as the town of Franklin in 1778, a name chosen to honor Benjamin Franklin after he donated 116 books to the community. A key early institution was the Franklin Public Library, founded in 1790 with those books and considered the first public library in the United States. The town's development was spurred by the arrival of the Milford and Woonsocket Railroad in the 19th century, facilitating industry. The Horace Mann birthplace is a noted historic site, and the town played a role in early American manufacturing, including at the former Raytheon facility.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 70.0 square kilometers, of which 68.8 square kilometers is land and 1.2 square kilometers is water. Franklin is drained by the Charles River and its tributaries, including Mine Brook. It borders the towns of Medway, Bellingham, Wrentham, Norfolk, Milford, and the city of Woonsocket. The landscape features several conservation areas and parks, such as the Franklin State Forest and DelCarte Conservation Area.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 33,645. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing communities of Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income is above the state average, and a high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Population density is moderate for the region, with housing primarily consisting of single-family homes.
Economy
Franklin has a diverse economic base with a significant presence in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Major employers have included Thermo Fisher Scientific and Waters Corporation. The town is a retail hub for the surrounding area, centered around the Franklin Village Mall and the Downtown Franklin business district. It is part of the Interstate 495 technology corridor and is home to numerous small businesses and professional services firms.
Education
Public education is managed by the Franklin Public Schools district, which includes Franklin High School, Horace Mann Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong academic performance and extensive extracurricular programs. Franklin is also home to Dean College, a private two-year and four-year institution. The town's historic commitment to learning is symbolized by the original Franklin Public Library and the modern Franklin Public Library system.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with Franklin include educator and politician Horace Mann, born here; NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck; actress and singer Ally Sheedy; MLB player Jeff Allison; and inventor Elisha N. Converse. The town was also the birthplace of Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee and early American portrait painter Eunice Pinney.
Category:Towns in Massachusetts Category:Populated places established in 1778 Category:Norfolk County, Massachusetts