Early day, Franklin, Kansas.
Franklin, Kansas School.
Franklin, Kansas, an extinct town today, was located just four miles southeast of Lawrence in Douglas County.
When the settlement was founded in October 1853, it was a pro-slavery stronghold during Territorial Kansas. Situated between the Kansas River and Wakarusa River, it was one of the county’s oldest settlements and Indian trading posts, and the first stage stop west of Westport (now part of Kansas City, Missouri).
When Kansas was opened to settlement in 1854, several Missourians moved to Franklin, further strengthening its pro-slavery stance. In 1855, Franklin received a post office. Situated so close to Lawrence, the “unofficial” Free State capital, the settlers were constantly in conflict. Two battles were fought near here in 1856 — the Battle of Franklin in June and the Battle of Fort Saunders in August. Several minor skirmishes continued through the fall, but thereafter the pro-slavery forces began to withdraw.
Franklin, Kansas Townsite.
In 1857, the town was officially incorporated, a ferry was established on the Kansas River north of town, and Dr. R.L. Williams opened a general store.
During the Lawrence Massacre of August 1863, the demand for housing was so great that many of the dwellings in Franklin were relocated to Lawrence. After the Civil War, Franklin dramatically declined. The post office closed in 1867, and the entire townsite was eventually owned by Dr. R.L. Williams, who farmed the area for several years.
An old homestead appears to be utilized for construction purposes, Kathy Alexander.
The old townsite of Franklin is today a suburb of Lawrence. However, it must have had some development in later years, as the one street in the old town is lined with an old sidewalk.