Franklin, founded in 1808, has been the parish (county) seat of St. Mary Parish since 1811. Prior to that, the community was known as Carlin's Settlement, named after a sugar cane planter. Nestled in a bend of Bayou Teche when the waterway was its main source of transportation. Franklin was on the route of the Old Spanish Trail. After a four lane highway was built on U.S. 90, the old route through Franklin became La. Highway 182. It is the home of five governors, including our present governor- Gov. Mike Foster. It is also the home of five U.S. senators and a chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Today, Franklin is a modern city of approximately 10,000 people centered in an industrial production area which produces oil, gas, carbon black, sugar, and seafood. Sugarcane is the main agricultural crop. Franklin retains the charm of a small community, with its oak-lined streets and tranquil atmosphere. Franklin is noted for its concentration of restored plantation homes.
If you are interested in learning more about the Franklin area be sure to visit the links site and click on "Franklin."
Below are just a few of the sights around Franklin. Learn more about Franklin by visiting www.franklin-la.com
This is the Peace Memorial, at left, with the St. Mary Parish Courthouse in the background seperated by the Bayou Teche. The Peace Memorial contains the names of locals who have given their lives in battle through history.
This is a scene of the Bayou Teche with the Sterling Sugar Mill in thebackground. Sugar is shipped from the mill by barge.
This is another view of the Bayou Teche showing one of the many "swing" bridges in the area. The bridge rotates to an open position to allow boat traffic to pass through.
This is the Grevemberg House built in 1851. It is located on the City Park grounds. It is just one of many restored plantation homes in the area.
This page was last updated on: October 6, 2009
Franklin City Hall located on the corner of Iberia and Perret Street. This building was the former high school.
This is the new boat landing at the Willow St. overpass. It allows for the launching of four boats at one time. This landing is widely used by sports and recreation enthusiast.
This is the Teche Theater for the Performing Arts. This theater has a long history in Franklin and has recently found "new life" through many volunteers. www.techetheatre.org
This is another view of the Peace Memorial on the Bayou Teche. In this view you can also see the Willow St. Bridge that crosses in Eastwood subdivision.
This is the St. Mary Parish Courthouse which houses St. Mary Parish government offices (www.parish.st-mary.la.us) along with the Sheriff's Office.
Downtown Main St. during the early morning hours. Facing west from Willow St. intersection. Taken during the Christmas Season.
Swing bridge crossing the Bayou Teche at Willow St. @ Teche Drive
Sterling Sugar Mill at the beginning of grinding season. The mouseover shows sugar cane trucks and tractors waiting to offload the cane.
The Cajun Coast Tourist Information Center located on the service road at U.S. 90 and La. 3211 (www.cajuncoast.com)
Franklin is home to the Bayou Teche Natioinal Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife included in this refuge is the Louisiana Black Bear. We celebrate each spring with the Bayou Teche Bear Festival. (www.bayoutechebearfest.org)
(Picture of The Franklin Foundation Hospital) (Coming Soon)
