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History of Franklin, Kentucky

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Simpson County is one of the smallest counties in Kentucky, having a little more than 300 square miles. It dates back to 1819, the 63rd county to be created, and was formed from parts of Allen, Logan, and Warren Counties. It bears the name of Capt. John Simpson, one of the officers killed in the Battle of the River Raisin in the War of 1812. Franklin, the county seat, was named for Benjamin Franklin. Three landowners competed to provide the site for the courthouse, but none had plentiful water. One of the owners dug a well which proved to be dry. The night before the location decision was to be made, he hauled water and filled the well. This primed the well, and it supplied the town with water for many years. Simpson County is also noted for the jog in the Kentucky - Tennessee line. Legend has it that this was caused by Kentucky hospitality - a well stocked "cellar" opened to the surveyors so that all of the land holdings of the property owner would be in Kentucky.