John Bickham
Founder of Franklinton
John Bickham
Founder of Franklinton
In 1819 John Bickham offered to donate thirty acres of land to serve as the Parish Seat of Justice and also to provide land for the building of public schools in what is today the town of Franklinton. Washington Parish officially accepted his donation by special election on July 4, 1826.
Bickham, born of James and Mary Henry Bickham in 1777, settled near here in 1799 and continued to reside in Washington Parish until his death in 1821. He served honorably in the Louisiana Militia and was a veteran of the West Florida Rebellion and the War of 1812.
The Washington Parish Courthouse and the center of the Town of Franklinton along with public school buildings, continue to be located on the land donated by John Bickham.
Dedicated May 5, 2012.
Erected 2012.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812.
Location. 30° 50.679′ N, 90° 9.312′ W. Marker is in Franklinton, Louisiana, in Washington Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street (State Highway 10) and Cleveland Street on Washington Street. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. To The Sacred Memory / A Testimonial (within shouting distance of this marker); First School Washington Parish (approx. 2.2 miles away); First Church (approx. 4.4 miles away); Parish Courthouse (approx. 5.6 miles away).
More about this marker. Located on the Washington Parish Courthouse grounds.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 803 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 19, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 2, 3. submitted on November 19, 2017.
