Franklin Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Commemorative Ornament and Community Celebration

The historic Virginia town marks its sesquicentennial with a special event at Barrett's Landing on March 15.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:49am

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Franklin, Virginia is celebrating its 150th anniversary on March 15 with a special community event at Barrett's Landing. The celebration will feature the unveiling of a commemorative ornament designed by The Charleston Mint, a performance by the 150th Birthday Celebration Choir, and remarks from local historian Gaynelle Riddick and city officials. The ornament design showcases Franklin's history, including the steamboat and freight train that were instrumental in the town's founding in 1876.

Why it matters

Franklin's 150th anniversary marks an important milestone for the historic Virginia town, highlighting its resilience and growth over the past century and a half. The community celebration brings residents together to honor the town's past and look towards its future.

The details

The commemorative ornament designed for Franklin's 150th features symbols of the town's early history, including the steamboat and freight train that were vital to its founding and economic development. The celebration at Barrett's Landing on March 15 will also include a performance by a special 150th Birthday Celebration Choir and remarks from local historian Gaynelle Riddick and city officials like Councilwoman Jessica G. Banks and Mayor Paul Kaplan, who are participating in the choir.

  • Franklin was organized as a town in 1876, 100 years after the founding of the United States.
  • Franklin is celebrating its 150th anniversary on March 15, 2026.

The players

Franklin 150th Birthday Celebration Committee

The committee that organized the 150th anniversary celebration for the town of Franklin, Virginia.

The Charleston Mint

The company that designed the commemorative ornament for Franklin's 150th anniversary.

Gaynelle Riddick

A beloved local historian who will provide a history lesson at the 150th anniversary celebration.

Jessica G. Banks

A Franklin Ward 6 Councilwoman who is participating in the 150th Birthday Celebration Choir.

Paul Kaplan

The Mayor of Franklin who is also participating in the 150th Birthday Celebration Choir.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to showcase the steamboat and the freight train, both of which were instrumental in Franklin's being organized as a town back in 1876, just 100 years after our nation was founded. The Blackwater River and the loblolly pine were gifts of nature that played such vital roles in the economic development of our little town.”

— Franklin 150th Birthday Celebration Committee

“From its organization as a town in 1876, this little town of Franklin — formerly known as Franklin Depot — went on to thrive. It became the center of much social and business activity in Southampton County over the years. People traveled for miles to enjoy what Franklin had to offer.”

— Franklin 150th Birthday Celebration Committee

“Bring a chair and come down to enjoy a beautiful afternoon of music provided by the 150th Birthday Celebration Choir and a wonderful history lesson from Gaynelle Riddick, our beloved local historian, as well as hearing from a few others.”

— Franklin 150th Birthday Celebration Committee

What’s next

The commemorative ornament designed for Franklin's 150th anniversary will be available for purchase at the celebration on March 15.

The takeaway

Franklin's 150th anniversary celebration highlights the town's rich history and enduring community spirit. By honoring its past through symbolic elements like the commemorative ornament, Franklin is poised to continue thriving for generations to come.