Franklin is an incorporated town which is the county seat and largest city of Highland County, the northernmost county in Roregon, Robloxia. Situated in the southern region of the county, Franklin serves as the economic, cultural, and administrative center for the surrounding rural communities. With a population of approximately 24,305 as of the 2024 Census, Franklin is the most developed settlement in Highland County, providing essential services, commerce, and transportation links to the more isolated regions of the county with its mayor being Harry Bufords.
The city is positioned in a valley along the Highland River, at the southern parts of the county. The valley has played as an essential water source in history and also helped in agriculture and etc. Surrounded by several hills and with the Highland Range visible to the north, Franklin experiences a moderate mountain climate, with colder winters than usual and not too warm summers. It is a popular place for winter activities. Founded in the early 19th century, Franklin was originally established as a trading post for traders who traveled through the Highland region. The discovery of small mineral deposits in the surrounding hills in the 1850s turned Franklin into a mining town, though the rise was short-lived. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Franklin transitioned into a logging and agricultural center, benefiting from the construction of the Highland Valley Railway in 1912, which connected it to larger cities in Roregon. The Great Logging Era of the early 20th century brought economic rise, leading to the expansion of infrastructure, schools, and businesses in Franklin. Although the decline of the logging industry in the mid-20th century impacted the local economy, Franklin adapted by promoting tourism and small manufacturing businesses.
Etymology
Franklin was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, reflecting the admiration early settlers had for the historical figure’s contributions to science, governance, and philosophy. The name was chosen in 1847, when the town was officially established, following a vote among the early residents. Some local historians suggest that the name may have also been influenced by Franklin County, a region in another part of Robloxia, in Kionne Republic, where some of the early settlers had migrated from.