History is on full display here in the Bluegrass State, and there are many towns that celebrate the past. From the painted ladies of Old Louisville to the cobblestone streets of Bardstown, you don’t have to go far to get a Kentucky history lesson. And if you’re looking to take a literal walk back in time in Kentucky, you can do that, too! In Franklin, you can tour the Old Jail to see drawings by captured Civil War soldiers on the walls, explore more history at the antebellum landmark Octagon Hall Museum, and then literally “Walk the Line” and stand on the very church steps where June and Johnny Cash were married! If you’re looking for a living history lesson, visit this charming Kentucky town!

Nestled in Simpson County, a rural region in South-Central Kentucky, Franklin is a charming town that invites visitors to take a step back in time.

Franklin Simpson Tourism/Facebook

Constructed in 1879, the Old Jail is a Franklin icon. It’s one of the oldest buildings in town and was used as a jail from 1860-1879. It housed Confederate prisoners during the Civil War, who left graffiti on its walls. Given its history, it should come as no surprise that the jail is rumored to be haunted! Today, the former jail houses the Simpson County Archives and Museum.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Historic Jail, 128 W Kentucky Ave, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

Meanwhile, the Sandford Duncan Inn was a contentious little spot that the town now calls “one of the coolest places to get a shot or to get shot at… well, at least in the 1800s.” Humor, folks!

Franklin Simpson Tourism/Facebook Built in 1818 along the on the “Lexington to Nashville Road,” the inn was a popular place for travelers to stop for the night. Sandford Duncan Inn, 5083 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

The location of the property was significant with reference to the boundary line between Kentucky and Tennessee and to the practice of dueling. There were two famous duels held here, which visitors can learn all about today at the inn’s Interpretive Center.

Kentucky Road Trips/Facebook

The town of Franklin was much more than a dueling site, though. Built in 1882, the Simpson County Courthouse is a striking structure designed by Louisville architects the McDonald Brothers. The original courthouse was destroyed by a fire on May 17, 1882; what stands today is the second iteration, built between 1882 and 1883.

Kentucky Road Trips/Facebook Courthouse Square, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

One of the most striking buildings in Franklin is the oddly shaped Octagon Hall. Built prior to the Civil War, in 1847, the striking building now houses the Octagon Hall Museum & Kentucky Confederate Studies Archives, as well as an extensive library, Civil War artifacts, Native American artifacts, and genealogical and historical research materials.

Octagon Hall Museum/Google Local Octagon Hall Museum, 6040 Bowling Green Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

Our favorite historic site in this charming Kentucky town, the First United Methodist Church is where Johnny Cash and June Carter were married in 1968. Easily country music’s most iconic couple, we’re proud as can be that they were married here!

Kentucky Road Trips/Facebook Franklin First United Methodist Church, 303 S Main St, Franklin, OH 45005, USA

Yet despite its historic clout, Franklin is a town that doesn’t take itself too seriously. See: The Fork in the Road, a quirky roadside attraction that’s (ahem) created quite a stir!

Kentucky Road Trips/Facebook Fork in the Road, 1389 Uhls Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

When you visit Franklin, Kentucky, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re into history or music, ghost hunting or simply exploring a charming town, this Kentucky locale has it all!

Kentucky Road Trips/Facebook

Have you visited Franklin, Kentucky, before? What a delightful day trip in the Bluegrass State!

Franklin Simpson Tourism/Facebook

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

Historic Jail, 128 W Kentucky Ave, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

Built in 1818 along the on the “Lexington to Nashville Road,” the inn was a popular place for travelers to stop for the night.

Sandford Duncan Inn, 5083 Nashville Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

Kentucky Road Trips/Facebook

Courthouse Square, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

Octagon Hall Museum/Google Local

Octagon Hall Museum, 6040 Bowling Green Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

Franklin First United Methodist Church, 303 S Main St, Franklin, OH 45005, USA

Fork in the Road, 1389 Uhls Rd, Franklin, KY 42134, USA

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Address: Franklin, KY 42134, USA