Franklin County Historic Sites

History of Franklin County

There’s history of all types in Franklin County.

You can see where Booker T. Washington spent his early years as an enslaved person on a local plantation before going on to become one of the nation’s leading educators, writers and civil rights leaders.

Located in Ferrum, the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum is the Commonwealth’s official center for Blue Ridge Folklore, and features exhibits and a living farm museum (with live animals!) that interprets and presents the folk heritage of the region.

And in addition to the museums and historic sites, you’re likely to meet a few locals in Franklin County who are happy to share their own family tales and legends, including a few stories about how the county came to be the Moonshine Capital of the World.

Below is a list of historic sites and organizations in Franklin County.