The city was named for Benjamin Franklin in 1828. The region lies along the crest of the Missouri River bluffs. It was laid out by James Alcorn, a Revolutionary War soldier, in 1828. We are proud to be the home of country music star Sara Evans .
New Franklin is rich in railroad history.
Site of the Hickman House, the oldest known brick structure west of the Mississippi River , located at MU Horticulture Farm in New Franklin. The original town of Franklin , destroyed by flood, was the official beginning of the Santa Fe Trail. The turntable is still in excellent working condition. Laura Ingalls Wilder lived here while attending Central Methodist College. South Howard County Historical Society hosts a visitor's center year round with a wealth of information about the history of our area, genealogy and cemetery records.