Franklin County, North Carolina

Infobox U.S. County
county = Franklin County
state = North Carolina




map size = 250
founded = 1779
seat = Louisburg | area_total_sq_mi =495
area_water_sq_mi =3
area percentage = 0.52%
census yr = 2000
pop = 47260
density_km2 =37
web = www.franklincountync.us
|

Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population was 47,260. Its county seat is LouisburgGR|6.

History

The county was formed in 1779 from the southern half of Bute County. It was named for Benjamin Franklin.

In 1881, parts of Franklin County, Granville County, and Warren County were combined to form Vance County.

Franklin County Song

by Fred U. Wolfe

With loyalty we sing thy praise,Glory to thy honored name!Our voices loud in tribute raise,Making truth thy pow'r proclaim.Thy past is marked with vict'ry bold;Thy deeds today can ne'er be told,And heroes brave shall e'er upholdFranklin's name forevermore.

We love thy rich and fruitful soil,Wood, and stream, and thriving town.We love the gift of daily toil,Making men of true renown.Thy church and school shall ever standTo drive the darkness from our land—A true and loyal, valiant band,Sons of Franklin evermore.

A shrine of promise, pow'r and truth,Lasting righteousness and peace,A land of hope for toiling youth,Yielding songs that never cease.Let ev'ry son and daughter stayThe hand of vice that brings decay.When duty's voice we shall obey,Franklin's name shall live for aye.

"The "Franklin County Song" was selected in a 1929 contest by the county historical association as the song most suitable for public occasions. The words were written by Fred U. Wolfe, an agriculture teacher at Gold Sand. Sung to the tune "Maryland, My Maryland" ("O Christmas Tree"), the song was incorporated in the Bicentennial programs of 1979. At the evening convocation of January 29, Mrs. Beth Norris announced to the audience that Wolfe (retired and residing in North, South Carolina) was aware his song was part of the program that night. (See "Franklin Times", January 30, 1979.)" [Willard, George-Anne. Franklin County Sketchbook. Louisburg, NC: Franklin County-Louisburg Bicentenary Committee, 1982.]

Law and government

Franklin County is a member of the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments.

Education

Franklin County is home to the two-year Methodist-affiliated Louisburg College and to a satellite campus of Vance-Granville Community College.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 495 square miles (1,281 km²), of which, 492 square miles (1,274 km²) of it is land and 3 square miles (7 km²) of it (0.52%) is water.

Townships

The county is divided into ten townships: Cedar Rock, Cypress Creek, Dunn (not Bunn as many may think although the Town of Bunn is located within that township), Franklinton, Gold Mine, Harris, Hayesville, Louisburg, Sandy Creek, and Youngsville.

Adjacent counties

*Warren County, North Carolina - north-northeast
*Nash County, North Carolina - east
*Wake County, North Carolina - southwest
*Granville County, North Carolina - west
*Vance County, North Carolina - north-northwest
*Johnston County, North Carolina - south
*Halifax County, North Carolina - northeast

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 47,260 people, 17,843 households, and 12,882 families residing in the county. The population density was 96 people per square mile (37/km²). There were 20,364 housing units at an average density of 41 per square mile (16/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 66.00% White, 30.03% Black or African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.29% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. 4.44% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 17,843 households out of which 33.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.50% were married couples living together, 13.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 32.40% from 25bla bla to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,968, and the median income for a family was $44,540. Males had a median income of $31,543 versus $24,568 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,562. About 10.00% of families and 12.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.10% of those under age 18 and 16.70% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

*Bunn
*Centerville
*Franklinton
*Louisburg
*Youngsville

References

External links

* [http://www.franklincountync.us Franklin County government official website]
* [http://www.franklin-chamber.org/ Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.thefranklintimes.com/ "The Franklin Times"]