Franklin in Johnson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Cabin in Franklin

Photographed by Duane Hall, May 20, 2013

1. First Cabin in Franklin Marker

Inscription. A two room log cabin was built on or near this site in March, 1823 by George King, by whose efforts Johnson County was authorized Dec. 31, 1822 and organized March 8, 1823. King donated land for the county seat and Franklin was founded May 22, 1823. King, who came from Kentucky, started the First Presbyterian Church in 1824, served on the first Board of Directors of Franklin College, was a businessman, farmer, postmaster, and Justice of the Peace, died in 1868 and is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Erected 1973 by Sesquicentennial Committee of the Johnson County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1823.

Location. 39° 28.82′ N, 86° 3.539′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Indiana, in Johnson County. It is at the intersection of W. Jefferson Street (State Road 144) and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on W. Jefferson Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin IN 46131, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana

and specifically in Greater Indianapolis.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Paul V. McNutt (here, next to this marker); Small Town's Saturday Night (here, next to this marker); City of Franklin (here, next to this marker); Birthplace of Paul Vories McNutt

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Johnson County Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Johnson County Spanish American War Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Johnson County Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Johnson County Court Houses (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Booker T. Washington School (was about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Additional commentary.
1. This Marker is Missing
It is missing completely, possibly been incorporated into the new walkway pillar.
Editor's note: I have added the markers on the pillar to our Want List

— Submitted September 30, 2023, by Maddox Hood of Franklin, Indiana.

Photographed by Duane Hall, May 20, 2013

2. First Cabin in Franklin Marker

Near intersection of W. Jefferson St (SR 144) and Walnut St

Photographed by Melissa Tunis, November 11, 2024

3. First Cabin in Franklin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 883 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on November 11, 2024, by Melissa Tunis of Franklin, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.