History of Franklin, Pennsylvania, USA

Franklin, a thriving post-borough, capital of Venango county, Pennsylvania, on the right bank of French creek, immediately above its entrance into the Alleghany river, 212 miles W. N. W. from Harrisburg, and 68 miles N. from Pittsburg. It is the southern terminus of a canal extending to Meadville. Small steamboats ply between this town and Pittsburg. Franklin contains a court house, 1 or 2 academies, and 2 newspaper offices; and has bridges across the river and creek. Fort Franklin was erected on this site in 1787: the town was laid out in 1795. Population in 1850, 936; in 1853, about 1200.

About half past eleven o'clock yesterday morning, a fire broke out in the Marshall House, situated at the Franklin end of the Suspension Bridge at that point, which connects the Allegheny Valley Railroad with the town. Though the most strenuous efforts were made to save the structure it was entirely destroyed. During the burning of the hotel the flames communicated to the bridge, upon which were from twenty to thirty individuals in the act of crossing, or watching the burning building.

Suddenly one of the large cables supporting the bridge parted, and in an instant the structure tipped, throwing all those upon the same into the river below, and then fell, burying them in its ruins. Although several were seen to escape it is supposed that some are still beneath the wreck, while, others must have drowned, and gone down the river beneath the ice which partially filled the channel at that point. From an eye witness of the disaster, we learn that the cable which parted was upon the...

A hotel at Franklin, Pa., was burned the other day, and the flames set fire to the wood work of a wire bridge over the Allegheny river, and the cables, soon becoming red hot, parted from their anchorage, precipitating the bridge structure into the river. About twenty persons were on the bridge at the time, several of whom were fatally injured.

Franklin, a city, the capital of Venango co, Pa., is situated on the Allegheny River, at the mouth of French Creek, and on the Alleghany Valley Railroad and the Franklin Branch of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, about 65 miles direct (123 miles by railway) N. of Pittsburg, 9 miles S.W. of Oil City, and 28 miles S.E. of Meadville. The Jamestown & Franklin Railroad also passes through it. Franklin contains a court-house, 8 churches, 10 hotels, a national bank, 4 other banks, 4 oil-refineries, 2 or 3 machine-shops, 2 flouring-mills, and a brush-factory. Its growth has been greatly stimulated by the trade in petroleum, which is procured largely in the vicinity. One daily and 2 weekly newspapers are published here. It occupies the site of the French Fort Venango, built in 1753. Pop. in 1890, 6221.

Franklin, Pa., Oct. 13. - An oil fire at the Eclipse refinery, Franklin, information of which appeared in the Herald of yesterday, was reported last night to be still burning, but under control. The loss is estimated approximately at $100,000. A large force of Franklin men fought the first all day Thursday.

Franklin, a city, the capital of Venango co., Pa., Is situated on the Alleghany River, at the mouth of French Creek, and on the Alleghany Valley, the Erie and other railroads, 9 miles SW. of Oil City. Franklin contains a court-house, oil-refineries, machine-shops, etc., and has manufactures of iron-goods, boilers, steel-castings, oil-well supplies, bricks, and lumber. The growth of the city has been largely determined by its position as the centre of the chief oil region of the state. Natural gas is also abundant. The city occupies the site of the French Fort Venango, built in 17&3. Pop. in 1900, 7317.

DeBence Antique Music World:

Start your journey with a visit to this unique museum. It houses a vast collection of antique music boxes, phonographs, and other musical instruments. It's a treat for both music enthusiasts and history buffs.

Venango Museum of Art, Science, and Industry:

Dive into the rich history of the region at this museum. It showcases exhibits related to local industry, Native American artifacts, and the development of the oil industry that played a significant role in the town's history.

Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad:

Take a scenic train ride through the picturesque Oil Creek State Park. The narrated tour provides insights into the oil boom era, and you'll get to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.

Riverfront Park:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Allegheny River at Riverfront Park. It's a perfect spot for picnics, family gatherings, or just to unwind while taking in the scenic views.

Justus Park:

Another great outdoor...