Franktown in Douglas County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Franktown
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2016
1. Franktown Marker
property of the State of Colorado
——
Franktown
Named for J. Frank Gardiner, a
pioneer who settled here in 1859.
First known as "California Ranch,"
it was a way station on the stage
line between Denver and Sante Fe.
In a stockade built here, neighbors
found refuge from Indians in 1864.
Franktown became the first county
seat of Douglas County in 1861.
Erected by
The State Historical Society of Colorado
from The Mrs. J.N. Hall Foundation and by
The American Pioneer Trails Association,
Dr. Margaret Long and Children of Franktown.
1946
Erected 1946 by The State Historical Society of Colorado from The Mrs. J.N. Hall Foundation and by The American Pioneer Trails Association, Dr. Margaret Long and Children of Franktown. (Marker Number 57.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the History Colorado series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 39° 23.351′ N, 104° 45.156′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Russellville / History of Franktown / Franktown Country / Timber Industry (approx. 1.3 miles away); Founders Village (approx. 3½ miles away); Rock Park (approx. 5.6 miles away); City Hotel (approx. 5.8 miles away); Keystone Hotel (approx. 5.9 miles away); Good Roads in Colorado (approx. 5.9 miles away); The Rock (approx. 5.9 miles away); Victorias House (approx. 5.9 miles away).
Other markers no longer nearby. Douglas (was approx. 5.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Castle Rock (was approx. 5.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Franktown. At first, Franktown was called Frankstown until around 1900 when the post office dropped the 's'.
Also see . . . Save Franktown. Website homepage (Submitted on November 1, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2016
2. Franktown Marker on stone pillar.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 26, 2016
3. View from marker looking north towards Colorado Highways' 83 & 86 intersection.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,658 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
