Franklin County

Franklin County is an administrative division in north-central Iowa with Hampton serving as the county seat. The area encompasses farmland, small towns, and rural communities connected by state and federal highways.

The county was established in 1851 and named after Benjamin Franklin during Iowa's early territorial period. It developed as an agricultural settlement as communities grew throughout the 19th century.

The annual Franklin County Fair in July draws crowds with rodeo events and performances by touring musicians at the fairgrounds. The gathering reflects how rural communities here celebrate their agricultural heritage and local traditions.

Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 65 provide main access through the region, along with state highways connecting the smaller towns. Plan ahead when visiting, as services and attractions are spread across rural areas rather than concentrated in one location.

The Franklin County Courthouse in Hampton, built in 1891, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. The building stands out as an example of the architectural style from that era and remains a notable landmark in town.

Location: Iowa

Inception: 1851

Capital city: Hampton

Shares border with: Cerro Gordo County, Hardin County, Floyd County, Butler County, Grundy County, Hancock County, Wright County, Hamilton County

Website: http://co.franklin.ia.us

GPS coordinates: 42.73083,-93.26750

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:58