Franklin County: Gardens, River and History

Franklin County can be explored through a range of travel interests: nature and outdoor activities, river activities, educational and industrial history, and local food. The De Hart Botanical Gardens, Tar River Life, historic sites in Louisburg and Franklinton, and the Fork to Farmer initiative bring these themes to life. When planning, you can decide whether to focus more on outdoor activities, historical context, or local food culture.

Gardens and Activities on the Tar River

The De Hart Botanical Gardens cover 92 acres. The grounds include a residence and a museum; the public can enjoy hiking and picnicking. Hiking and picnicking offer two different ways to spend time outdoors: hiking focuses on exercise, while a picnic offers a break in the gardens. The residence and museum are additional architectural and museum features of the site.

Tar River Life offers another way to spend time outdoors: kayak rentals are available in Bunn on the Tar River. Access for launching and landing is via private property and is available only through Tar River Life. If you plan this activity, take this access requirement into account.

Educational and Industrial History

In Louisburg, the Franklin County Training School–Riverside Union School is a locally significant property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its significance encompasses education and African American heritage. This named historic site connects a specific school-related history with a cultural and historical perspective.

The history of the Main Building at Louisburg College reaches back to another era. During the Federal occupation, which ended in July 1865, the building apparently served as a hospital and may have served as the headquarters of Union troops. At Louisburg College, the Tar River Center for History and Culture helps people of all ages and backgrounds explore the architecture, culture, and history of the upper Tar River region of North Carolina. This perspective ranges from a building’s possible historic use to a broader interest in the region’s history.

The Sterling Cotton Mill in Franklinton also offers a tangible connection to the past. It began operations in 1896 and originally produced cotton yarn for shirts, cotton suits, canvas, and canvas belts. By 1899, it employed 200 people. As the mill grew, farming families moved to Franklinton to work there. Its product range extended from yarn for clothing to canvas and belts; employment and migration are also part of the mill’s history.

Local Food

In Franklin County, Fork to Farmer connects people interested in local food with participating chefs. These chefs work with nearby small farmers, bringing fresh produce from farm to table. The focus is on the connection between agriculture and cooking. For travelers interested in local food culture, the initiative highlights the collaboration behind the food.

Discover more destinations: Louisburg, Robeson County, Onslow County, Dare, Wilkes, Harnett County, Columbus, New Hanover County.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.