Franklin City

Formed January 1, 1961 (125th county equivalent)

Franklin City (8,582), Franklin (8,582)

The year of construction for this modern red brick structure is unknown as is the architect.  It is sited on Pretlow at Morton.  Virginia State Highway 714 is Pretlow.  The city was established on January 1, 1961 from Southampton County as the 125th county equivalent.  The City of Franklin is presumably named for American statesman Benjamin Franklin.  He is also the namesake of Franklin County.  Franklin City is the birthplace to 1 Virginia Governor, Colgate W. Darden, Jr.  

The area of the city is 8 square miles.  It is 123 out of 133 in the state.  It ranks 119 out of 133 in population in the state.  It has a density of 1072.75 persons per square mile making it 31 out of 133 in the state.  Franklin has 100.0% of its population in its incorporated city limits.  United States Highway 258 passes through the city from Isle of Wight County to Southampton County.  The city resembles an inflatable duck facing west. 

Franklin City government consists of a Police Chief, a Mayor, and 6 Council Members.  Two Circuit Court Judges and Six District Court Judges serve Franklin City and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties and Suffolk City and Thirty-four Magistrate Court Judges serve Franklin City and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties and Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, and Suffolk cities.  The city is in southeast Virginia.  Virginia Beach, Virginia is east and Richmond, Virginia is northwest of the city.  The city center is in Franklin 1.1 miles Northwest of downtown.  The city is surrounded clockwise by Isle of Wight and Southampton counties.

Location in State and Municipality

Franklin

Jerry Fager
Jimmy Emerson