Franklin County

Franklin County is an area in northwestern Massachusetts that includes small towns, forests, and river lowlands along the Connecticut. The terrain rises from valleys to wooded ridges that run through the entire region.

The legislature created the administrative area in 1811 and named it after Benjamin Franklin, with Greenfield becoming the administrative seat. Formal county government ended in 1997, while the geographic designation remained.

The area keeps its farming character, with many orchards and farmers' markets offering fresh produce from surrounding fields. Local communities maintain traditions of self-government and mutual support across town lines.

Regional bus routes run between larger towns and connect settlements across the area. Town administrations organize public services at the local level, as no central government exists anymore.

The administrative structures dissolved, but towns still work together as a regional unit. Public tasks are handled through agreements between municipalities, without the need for an overarching authority.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1811

Capital city: Greenfield

Shares border with: Windham County, Bennington County, Worcester County, Hampshire County, Berkshire County, Cheshire County

Website: https://frcog.org

GPS coordinates: 42.58707,-72.57394

Latest update: December 15, 2025 03:25