Franklin County, Texas
Franklin County is a charming corner of East Texas, located about 100 miles northeast of Dallas. Mount Vernon, the county seat, has all the character you’d expect from a classic small Texas town. Lake Cypress Springs is one of the county’s highlights, drawing visitors for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the water.
The county was named after Benjamin C. Franklin, a judge and early settler—not the famous Benjamin Franklin. The name has caused some confusion over the years. Agriculture remains an important part of local life, with dairy farms and rolling green hills shaping much of the countryside.
Cypress Creek winds through the county, its banks shaded by tall, mature trees. When autumn arrives, the scenery becomes especially beautiful as the foliage changes color. The Franklin County Historical Museum helps preserve and share the area’s rich local history.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Franklin County |
| County Seat | Mount Vernon |
| Population | Approximately 11,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Mount Vernon, Winnsboro, Hagansport |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 30, U.S. Highway 67, State Highway 37 |
| FIPS Code | 48-159 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 295 square miles (284 sq mi land, 11 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Red River County (North), Titus County (East), Camp County (Southeast), Wood County (South), Hopkins County (West), Delta County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 33°11’N, 95°13’W |
| Etymology | Named after Benjamin Franklin, a judge and Texas State Senator |
| Major Landmarks | Lake Cypress Springs, Franklin County Historical Museum, Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival |
