A LITTLE ABOUT US

Franklin County is your quintessential small town rural American community - with a kicker.

We bring attitude.

Franklin County residents come from all parts of the country, are well traveled, appreciate fine food and good literature. Our attractive, tree-lined neighborhoods are the real deal, as are our people. We also value family, friends, fun and fellowship. Prefer to march to your own drum? We respect that too.

OUR NAME
Yes, you guessed it. We are named after Benjamin Franklin and no, he never slept here.

OUR COMMUNITIES
Ackley, Alexander, Bradford . Chapin , Coulter , Dows, Geneva , Hampton , Hansell , Latimer , Popejoy, Sheffield

LOCATION
Here's a map
Elevation: 1230 feet      Latitude: 42 45N   Longitude: 093 11W

COUNTY SEAT
Hampton

POPULATION
2000 Census, 10,704
Est. 2005 10,732

ANCESTRY
We are a good mix of many nationalities, but are predominately of German heritage.

HISTORY
The First Franklin county settlers arrived here in 1852. Job Garner built the first cabin, and the first house in Hampton was built on the Hotel Coonley block in 1856. The first courthouse for the county was erected in 1857. Benjamin became the first county seat, but the name was later changed to Hampton. The first post office was also constructed that year.

One of the oldest traditions in the county, our Franklin County Fair, was started in 1859.  It was held at the Courthouse.
For more history, please click here

FAMOUS PEOPLE
Author/Artist Bob Artley
Jack Bailey - "Queen for a Day" Television host
William D. Leahy, 5-star fleet admiral for the Navy
Dr.Milton Wirtz - Inventor of the glass eye
Attorney James E. Coonley, Sr - successfully prosecuted the first drunk-driving charge in the US using blood alcohol evidence.

LAND MASS
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,510 km (583 mi).

WEATHER
We enjoy temp averages in the upper 70's to 80's in the summer and temps below 32 during the winter months. Our falls are classic sweater-weather with great foliage and our springs bring the showers the flowers need.

MAJOR HIGHWAYS:
Interstate 35
U.S. Highway 65
Iowa Highway 3
Iowa Highway 57
Map

RAILROADS
Union Pacific
Canadian National

AIRPORTS
Hampton Municipal - private aircraft
Mason City Regional - commercial flights

Printable fact sheet ideal for school projects.

While not losing sight of our roots, we stride into the future with confidence and optimism. There is a definate place in this world for communities like ours and we thrive on meeting opportunities head on.

We don't often have marquee events (RAGBRAI being the exception) so when businesses locate here we just might throw you a parade. At the very least you are guaranteed a warm and enthusiastic welcome!