Franklin County, Kansas
Franklin County is located in eastern Kansas, just southwest of the Kansas City metropolitan area, where suburban communities gradually give way to open farmland. Ottawa, the county seat, is home to about 12,000 residents and serves as a local center for the surrounding rural communities.
The Old Depot Museum offers visitors a look into the area’s railroad and local history. Each June, the Power of the Past Antique Engine & Tractor Show attracts machinery enthusiasts with displays of vintage engines, tractors, and other agricultural equipment.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Pomona State Park, located just west of the county, with opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and recreation. Franklin County’s location just south of the Kansas City metro area also provides convenient access to a wide range of big-city amenities while maintaining its rural atmosphere.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Franklin County |
| County Seat | Ottawa |
| Etymology | Named after Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Ottawa, Wellsville, Pomona, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 68, Kansas Highway 68 |
| FIPS Code | 20-059 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 577 square miles (land: 573 sq mi, water: 4 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Douglas County (North), Johnson County (Northeast), Miami County (East), Linn County (Southeast), Anderson County (South), Coffey County (Southwest), Osage County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.57°N, 95.27°W |
| Major Landmarks | Old Depot Museum, Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, and the Pomona Lake |
| Population | 25,000 |
