Town of Frankfort

Town of Frankfort. Franklin County. In an August 1848 election, citizens chose the center of Franklin County as the new county seat. Since no town existed in the center of the county, the state legislature incorporated the town of Frankfort, and it became the county seat in 1849. Five men were appointed to organize the town: James T. Chisum, John Miller, Charles Womble, Claiborne W. Townsend, and Partain Burgess. The area was surveyed, lots were sold, and the first buildings constructed were the courthouse and jail. It is believed that the bricks used in the construction of the courthouse and jail were locally made. In early 1850, a post office named “Courthouse “ was established. On August 13, 1850, John Miller was appointed the first postmaster. The post office name changed to Frankfort on April 22, 1852, and remained opened until 1909. Tuscumbia attorney L.B. Thornton wrote that in February 1862 Union forces had “destroyed the records of the different courts and took $5,000 from the County Treasurer in Frankfort.” Frankfort remained the county seat until 1879 when another election was held and the county seat was moved to Belgreen. Although Frankfort does not exist as it once did, it remains a small rural community.