Franklin

Franklin was first settled by Europeans in 1660 and was officially incorporated during the American Revolution. The town was formed from the western part of the town of Wrentham on February 16, 1778; its designated name at incorporation was to be Exeter. However, the town chose to be called Franklin in honor of the statesman Benjamin Franklin, the first municipality in the United States to be so named. It was hoped that Benjamin Franklin would donate a bell for a church steeple in the town. But, Franklin decided that “sense” was more important than “sound” Dr.