Franklinton

Franklinton is a town in Franklin County, North Carolina. The county is located within the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, home to the world-renowned Research Triangle Park. Best known for its beautiful real estate, friendly locals, southern charm, and rich history, Franklinton is a great place to live in North Carolina. 

Residents enjoy a relaxing, calming, affordable community with easy access to bigger cities such as Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The county includes Franklinton, Louisburg, Youngsville, and Bunn. Franklin County is often overshadowed by Wake County, but it offers its special and unique features. Throughout Franklinton, you will be surrounded by a tight-knit community and a peaceful and serene atmosphere. 

In Franklinton, you will find an example of North Carolina's Scientific Inquiry and Technology: Novozymes North America Inc., the nation's most significant multi-purpose enzyme manufacturing plant.

Here at Raleigh Realty, we specialize in helping home buyers and sellers navigate the real estate process. While that is our main priority, we enjoy providing newcomers and residents in the area with helpful guides, tips, and tricks.

This guide will discuss important information and everything you need to know before moving to Franklinton, NC. 

Franklinton History 
Franklinton, NC, was first established as Franklin Depot in 1839 on land owned by Shemuel Kearney, the son of Crawford Kearney and Nancy White. Originally located south of town, it was a home that was constructed by grandfather Shemuel Kearney in 1759 and is currently the second oldest residence in Franklin County.

In 2009, the building was purchased and moved to Louisburg for restoration. From then, Franklin Depot changed its name to Franklinton in 1842, when the town was officially incorporated. The town of Franklinton was named after Benjamin Franklin.

Like many other towns, Franklinton owes its existence primarily to the railroad. The 10 acres of land owned by Shemuel Kearney was deeded in the 1830s to establish the onsite depot. When the railroad was under construction, Thomas Howerton, Thomas Crocker, and William R. Hargrove realized the potential for a town around the depot.

The depot was located near the new railroad crossing and the Hillsborough road, which ran between the county seat towns of Louisburg and Hillsborough. The three men then purchased seventy acres surrounding the depot in 1839. The tract was then divided into three lots, one purchased by Benjamin Jones, which later became the location of the Franklinton Hotel. As previously said, it was in 1842 when the NC General Assembly came together to incorporate the town, and Franklin Depot officially became the town of Franklinton.

Franklin County is located in the Northeast Piedmont region of North Carolina. The county was formed during the American Revolutionary War, abolished Bute County, and was established in 1779. Tuscarora Indians were the earliest inhabitants, followed by English, Irish, and German settlers.

Franklin has always been a rural county with an economy based on agriculture, lumber, and textiles. It has recently begun to grow in population due to the proximity of Research Triangle Park but with a small-town feel and affordable housing.