Murfreesboro and Franklin – Two Great Places to Visit

History

During the first few years of the 19th century, Franklin was a center of the state’s plantation economy. The plantations exported goods to other areas and raised purebred livestock. The county seat was also a major trade center.

In the 1860s, a few private homes served as mini-hostelries during legislative sessions. The first turnpike in Rutherford County was constructed in 1836, followed by other turnpikes in the area. The county seat was also known as the Athens of Tennessee.

The first automobile in Rutherford County was sold in 1900. It was a one-seated, lever-guided automobile owned by George Darrow.

The automobile became popular in Murfreesboro in the summer of 1900. It was one of the first in the county, but it was short-lived. It had eight cars and twenty-four mules.

Franklin’s Green Book House is being converted into a heritage center. It is located in the Natchez Street African-American Historic District. The building was previously owned by Ruth Gaynor. The African-American community in Murfreesboro played an important role in the post-Civil War era.

The area also had two sundown towns. The town of Franklin was one of them. It is commemorated by a historic marker.

The county seat had a population of 28,000 by 1976. However, Shelby County had a pinch of depression in 1930.

Culture

Located in Franklin, Tennessee, the culture of Murfreesboro stretches far and wide. With a population of more than 62,000, it’s not a small town. It’s not all white folks though, as Franklin has a large number of trailer homes and working farms.

In terms of arts and entertainment, the city has a growing arts community thanks to a local arts organization, the Rutherford County Convention, and Visitors Bureau, as well as several affluent homeowners who’ve made a habit of hosting arts events. The City of Murfreesboro also has an art laureates program. The most recent honoree is Anderson Bailey, who passed away from brain cancer.

The state’s largest college, Middle Tennessee State University, also has a growing arts community, with several student groups such as the MTSU Operatic Society and Murfreesboro High School’s Performing Arts Club. MTSU boasts the largest undergraduate enrollment in Tennessee.

The city also has a slew of arts-related projects in the works. The largest may be the Boro Art Crawl, a fun-filled weekend of art, music, and food that will be taking place in March. Other notable events include the annual Murfreesboro Music Festival, an annual concert series called the Nashville Symphony, and the Music City Tea Festival, an annual festival celebrating the town’s culinary offerings.

A recent study by Americans for the Arts (AFA) placed Rutherford County near the top of its list of arts and entertainment hubs. The area’s arts and entertainment industry are a thriving one, with $31.2 million in economic impact attributed to the arts and entertainment sector alone.

Places to stop between Murfreesboro and Franklin

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there are several places to stop between Murfreesboro and Franklin, Tennessee. Franklin is a historic city that’s home to a number of interesting attractions and events. These include several historic sites, shops, and parks. There are also several highways that make the drive between these two cities much easier.

Franklin is also a great destination for history buffs. You can check out the old Natchez Trace, a road that was used by Native Americans and European settlers. The city’s historic downtown is also a great place to explore. You can check out the Confederate Monument, which was erected in 1899 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Franklin also has several parks that you can visit. Fort Granger Park is a 14.5-acre park that has a secluded walking trail. It is also home to a Civil War-era trenches.

Another park you may want to visit is Pinkerton Park, which has a paved one-mile track. It connects to downtown Franklin via a pedestrian bridge.

There’s also the Franklin Public Square, which is on the site of the former slave market. It also contains an interesting info board that describes the Battle of Franklin.

Depending on your interests, you may want to check out the many festivals and events that take place throughout the city. If you’re looking for some shopping, you’ll want to check out the boutiques in downtown Franklin.