History In Franklin County

Franklin County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and honoring the history of Franklin County for present and future generations.

Welcome to the History of Franklin County

Franklin County was surveyed between 1849 and 1852. The first town was Maysville, platted in1856. The town of Benjamin was also platted in 1856; its name was later changed to Hampton, which became the county seat. Hampton was incorporated in 1870, the same year the Central Iowa Railroad was completed through town. As more pioneers moved west after the Civil War and European immigrants arrived by train, additional communities were established on the prairies of Franklin County.

Franklin County, Hampton, Iowa is rich in history and preservation of historic sites. Efforts by local residents have been going on for many years. Take time to explore the community's historical treasures and the stories of their heritage and culture.

Visit Franklin County's Historic Sites

Welcome to a county rich in history, Franklin County, Iowa. If you have a story about Franklin county’s history please share it? Send your story by email to museumfchs@gmail.com and we will do our best to include it in our museum or on our website.

Historical Museum

Along with many donations from local residents, numerous items and records were acquired.

Harriman Nielsen Historic Farm

January 1, 2002

The Harriman Nielsen Historic Farm (HNHF) property became part of the Franklin...

Leander Reeve House

In the 1880's news of the fertile soil, excellent timberlands and rivers of the Midwest was sent to eastern...

REA Power Plant

May 26, 1988, the Seabee Corporation (owners Don and Cathy Yadon) donated the R.E.C. Generating Plant south...

Featured Stories

Read about special moments in Franklin County's History.

Our Gallery

All Historical Museum Harriman Nielsen Historic Farms Leander Reeve House REA Power Plant

Historical Museum

Crane Engines

Youth do research in the museum.

Harriman Nielsen Home

Leander Reeve House

Sukup Stirway

Harriman Nielsen Living Room

REA Power Plant

Doll collection in the museum.

Former Secretary of Agriculture of Iowa (2007-2018), Bill Northey and Marvin Rodemeyer tour the REA

The Harriman Nielsen Barn. Available for rent.

Admiral Leahy was honored by being on the cover of Time Magazine. The Leahy display is in the museum

Franklin REC clean up day.

One of the bedrooms in the Harriman Nielsen home displays a single bed arrangement.

Nielsine holds a photo of her parents.

Bob Artley "Memories of a Former Kid" artist and resident of Franklin County

Memorial Hall, Hampton

Inside the REA Plant

Gauges and control panel at the REA Plant.

Testimonials

Thank you for the pictures you sent of the Latimer blacksmith building from the Franklin County Historical Museum. They were terrific. You are great volunteers.

R. Meyer, Latimer

Former Latimer Resident

“Together we are bringing America’s agricultural story to life” said Silos and Smokestack’s Director of Partnerships, Candy Street. “You guys have done a tremendous job in preserving this important heritage.”.

Aug 2, 2021 at the 25th anniversary commitment ceremony for Silo and Smokestacks at the Harriman-Nielsen Historic Farm.

Candy Street

Silos and Smokestacks

The museum is interesting and well kept. The massive amounts of newspaper archives are helpful in getting the details for genealogy or personal interest.

Retired Teacher