Franklin, Tennessee’s Fuller Story: History beyond the Battlefield and Whiskey
Walking trail in Franklin Tennessee
Aired on March 17, 2021
Come and listen to Franklin’s Story– it’s unique history. Meet Matthew Maxey, Associate Director of Public Relations at Visit Franklin (Tennessee). He discusses the expanded historical narratives that Franklin is sharing beyond the Battlefield and Whiskey Trail.
Named after Benjamin Franklin, the city of Franklin is just 15 minutes south of Nashville. It’s an amazing destination for history buffs. And it’s historic downtown has been recognized for its preservation efforts. Franklin has a number of historic homes that were central to the Battle of Franklin—one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Civil War. The iconic Franklin Theatre built in 1937 still stands and operates there.
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Marcus Garvey
If the streets could talk then it would tell stories that many would soon forget. Because Franklin’s chapter in American history is a dark one thanks to its prominence in America’s Civil War. But Matthew says that Franklin understands the importance of sharing the full narrative of its history. And that is why the city launched an initiative called The Fuller Story project.
Hear about the initiative Franklin has launched to preserve and share a fuller and accurate truth about its place in American history.
Kimbro’s Pickin Parlor is home to intimate live music almost every night of the week in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Photo courtesy Visit Franklin. 
Main Street that runs through the heart of downtown Franklin is a registered ‘Great American Main Street’ and is home to hundreds of shops, restaurants, and music venues. Photo Courtesy Visit Franklin. 
The historic Masonic Lodge in Franklin, Tennessee is the longest actively running Masonic Hall in the state. Photo Courtesy Visit Franklin. -
Southern Whiskey Society in Franklin, Tennessee, a part of MADE SOUTH, is quickly becoming the premier whiskey tasting experience in the southeast. Photo by Visit Franklin. -
One of many scenic walking trails in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Photo courtesy Visit Franklin. 
Visitors viewing markers explaining the Fuller Story and explain the tragic events that took place in in Franklin, Tennessee’s downtown public square. (Photo courtesy Visit Franklin) 
The Franklin Theatre has been on Main Street since the early 1930s and today is considered one of, if not the, best 300 music venue in the world. Photo Courtesy Visit Franklin. 
A family strolls down the iconic Main Street that runs through the heart of downtown Franklin, Tennessee. (Photo courtesy Visit Franklin) -
Visitors viewing markers explaining the Fuller Story and explain the tragic events that took place in in Franklin, Tennessee’s downtown public square. (Photo courtesy Visit Franklin) 
The Harpeth River flows through Franklin, Tennessee and is a popular place for fishing and canoeing. Photo courtesy Visit Franklin.
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