Historical collections of Virginia containing a collection of the most interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c., relating to its history and antiquities, together with geographical and statistical descriptions : to which is appended, an historical and descriptive sketch of the District of Columbia : illustrated by over 100 engravings, giving views of the principal towns, seats of eminent men, public buildings, relics of antiquity, historic localities, natural scenery, etc., etc. |
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FRANKLIN. |
 | Historical collections of Virginia |  |
FRANKLIN.
Franklin was formed in 1784, from Bedford and Henry: its
length is 30, with a mean breadth of 20 miles. The Roanoke runs
on its south boundary, and the county is intersected by numerous
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western boundary. The soil is on a clay foundation, and is well
adapted to farming. The county produces very large crops of
tobacco, Indian corn, oats, wheat, and some cotton. The tanning
business is extensively carried on. Population in 1830, 14,911;
1840, 15,832. Rocky Mount, the county-seat, lies 179 miles SW.
of Richmond: it derives its name from an abrupt precipice in the
vicinity. The town contains about 30 dwellings, and near it is an
extensive iron furnace. Union Hall is a smaller post-village, at
the intersection of the road from Pittsylvania C. H. to Rocky
Mount. Iron ore, some of which is of a superior quality, is found
in various parts of the county.
| Historical collections of Virginia | |