Franklin is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Simpson County, Kentucky, United States. The county is located on the south central border of the state, and its population was 10,176 at the 2020 census. Kentucky Downs, formerly known as Dueling Grounds Racetrack (owned by Corey Johnsen & Ray Reid), is located in Franklin on the Kentucky–Tennessee border. Kentucky Downs hosts the Kentucky Cup Turf Festival, a full card of world-class horse racing featuring four major turf stakes. Kentucky Downs also hosts year-round simulcasts for the Kentucky-Tennessee market.

History

Franklin was formally incorporated by the state assembly on November 2, 1820, on a 62 acre tract of land. This tract was purchased from William Hudspeth and was named for Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. The post office was established on September 29, 1822, with Robert W. Simpson as postmaster. On March 1, 1968, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash were married at the Franklin First United Methodist church by Reverend Leslie Chapman.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Franklin has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Geography

Franklin is located at 36.7225°N, -86.5775°W (36.722487, -86.577566). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.4 sqmi, all land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, there were 10,176 people residing in the city. The population density was 690 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 80.20% White, 13.00% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, and 6.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.00% of the population. The median income for a household in the city was $54,784. The per capita income for the city was $23,835. About 16.8% of the population is below the poverty line.

Education

Public education in Franklin is administered by Simpson County School District, which operates Franklin Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School and Simpson Elementary School, Franklin-Simpson Middle School and Franklin-Simpson High School as well as an alternative school called Franklin-Simpson High School West Campus. Franklin Mennonite Elementary School and Faith Baptist Academy are private institutions. Franklin has a public library, the Goodnight Memorial Library.

Notable people