The Charming Kentucky Town Where You Can Quite Literally Take A Walk Back In Time
By Sarah McCosham|Published November 08, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
History is on full display here in the Bluegrass State, and there are many towns that celebrate the past. From the painted ladies of Old Louisville to the cobblestone streets of Bardstown, you don’t have to go far to get a Kentucky history lesson. And if you’re looking to take a literal walk back in time in Kentucky, you can do that, too! In Franklin, you can tour the Old Jail to see drawings by captured Civil War soldiers on the walls, explore more history at the antebellum landmark Octagon Hall Museum, and then literally “Walk the Line” and stand on the very church steps where June and Johnny Cash were married! If you’re looking for a living history lesson, visit this charming Kentucky town!
Nestled in Simpson County, a rural region in South-Central Kentucky, Franklin is a charming town that invites visitors to take a step back in time.
Constructed in 1879, the Old Jail is a Franklin icon. It's one of the oldest buildings in town and was used as a jail from 1860-1879. It housed Confederate prisoners during the Civil War, who left graffiti on its walls. Given its history, it should come as no surprise that the jail is rumored to be haunted! Today, the former jail houses the Simpson County Archives and Museum.
Historic Jail, 128 W Kentucky Ave, Franklin, KY 42134, USA
Meanwhile, the Sandford Duncan Inn was a contentious little spot that the town now calls "one of the coolest places to get a shot or to get shot at... well, at least in the 1800s." Humor, folks!
Sandford Duncan Inn, 5083 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA
Built in 1818 along the on the "Lexington to Nashville Road," the inn was a popular place for travelers to stop for the night.
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The location of the property was significant with reference to the boundary line between Kentucky and Tennessee and to the practice of dueling. There were two famous duels held here, which visitors can learn all about today at the inn's Interpretive Center.
The town of Franklin was much more than a dueling site, though. Built in 1882, the Simpson County Courthouse is a striking structure designed by Louisville architects the McDonald Brothers. The original courthouse was destroyed by a fire on May 17, 1882; what stands today is the second iteration, built between 1882 and 1883.
One of the most striking buildings in Franklin is the oddly shaped Octagon Hall. Built prior to the Civil War, in 1847, the striking building now houses the Octagon Hall Museum & Kentucky Confederate Studies Archives, as well as an extensive library, Civil War artifacts, Native American artifacts, and genealogical and historical research materials.
Octagon Hall Museum, 6040 Bowling Green Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA
Our favorite historic site in this charming Kentucky town, the First United Methodist Church is where Johnny Cash and June Carter were married in 1968. Easily country music's most iconic couple, we're proud as can be that they were married here!
Franklin First United Methodist Church, 303 S Main St, Franklin, OH 45005, USA
Yet despite its historic clout, Franklin is a town that doesn't take itself too seriously. See: The Fork in the Road, a quirky roadside attraction that's (ahem) created quite a stir!
Fork in the Road, 1389 Uhls Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA
When you visit Franklin, Kentucky, you're in for a treat. Whether you're into history or music, ghost hunting or simply exploring a charming town, this Kentucky locale has it all!
