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In Franklin, PA
Franklin, PA, is a community with spirit. Located in the heart of Venango County, on the banks of the Allegheny River, Franklin sits amid rolling hills and miles of forest, which make the region a recreational delight.
Called the Victorian City, Franklin takes pridei n its many elegant homes nestled in the heart of the city. Every major architectural style used in western Pennsylvania from 1830 to 1930 can be found here. From Federal Hill to the stately homes in Miller Park, the Historic District, registered in the National Registry of Historic Places, provides delight and surprises with each new turn along tree-lined streets.
Franklin is rich in history. Its location, at the confluence of French Creek and the Allegheny River, was a key spot during the French and Indian War. The French claimed this territory and, in 1753, sent an advance party here to erect a fort. In early December, the British forces sent a young officer named George Washington from Virginia to warn the French that they were trespassing on land claimed by Great Britain.
The French defied the warning and built Fort Machault. Here the amassed large forces of French, Indians, and boats and planned to mount an attack on Fort Pitt, in what is now Pittsburgh, to reclaim Fort Duquesne for France. Before an expedition could leave, however, word was received that the British were launching attacks on other French forts along the lakes. The French had to scurry north to protect Fort Niagara after they had burned their fort and supplies here.
The British built their own fort which was destroyed by Indians during Pontiac's uprising in 1763. The fort was burned and the soldiers massacred in a suprise attack.
After the American stronghold Fort Franklin was built in 1787, a large tract of land was reserved here by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Andrew Ellicott, who had surveyed for the site of Washington, D.C., had charge of the crew that laid out the city of Franklin.
Franklin became a center for world-wide oil production following Colonel Edwin Drake's discovery of oil in nearby Titusville. Unique to this valley, "Franklin Heavy Crude" was sold at a premium price.
Franklin today is a picturesque small town with big-city interest in growth and development. Also the county seat, it is located close enough to Interstates 79 and 80 to make it attractive to businesses and industry. At the same time, it rural setting makes it a safe and reassuring haven in which to raise a family or retire.
Visitors are drawn to Franklin's unique combination of cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities.
* Barrow-Civic Theater, originally built as a vaudeville house in 1913, underwent a $2-million restoration. It now features 497 seats, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and a special stage floor, which give it the flexibility of performances from stage plays to rock concerts.
* DeBence Antique Music World was recognized as one of the Top Ten Travel Destinations in Pennsylvania and was recipient of the Travel Industry Award of Excellence. Guided tours are provided through this extraordinary collection of more than 100 antique automated music machines from the Gay Nineties and Roaring Twenties.
* In many communities, band concerts in the park are a thing of the past, but in Franklin, the tradition continues for over 140 years. Founded in 1856, the Franklin Silver Cornet Band is one of America's oldest volunteer community bands.
* Biking, running, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, or just a leisurely walk can be enjoyed on the scenic trail that stretches for fifteen miles along the Allegheny River.
* Two Mile Run County Park, the largest county park in western Pennsylvania, has facilities for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, hiking, and miniature golfing.
For more information on what to do and see in Franklin, call the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce at (814) 432-5823l e-mail the Chamber at chamber@franklin-pa.org
Last Updated: Thursday, 12-May-2005 22:02:49 EDT
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