Franklin is a historic city in southern Louisiana and the parish seat of St. Mary Parish. It lies along Bayou Teche, about 85 miles west of New Orleans and 60 miles southwest of Lafayette. The city is known for its antebellum homes, historic downtown, Bayou Teche scenery, and its long connection to sugar cane farming and the culture of south-central Louisiana.
Location Map of Franklin, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
About Map: The map shows the location of Franklin in St. Mary Parish, in the U.S. state of Louisiana.
Franklin Map, Louisiana
About Franklin Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Franklin in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Franklin Located?
Franklin is a city located in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, the United States. It lies in south-central Louisiana along Bayou Teche, about 85 miles west of New Orleans, 60 miles southwest of Lafayette, and roughly 25 miles north of Morgan City. Franklin is positioned at approximately 29.796° North latitude and 91.501° West longitude. The city covers about 8.35 square miles, or 21.63 square kilometers, including land and water. The 2020 Census recorded 6,646 residents, while recent estimates place the population at about 6,400. Franklin stands at a very low elevation of roughly 15 feet above sea level. The city was founded in the early 19th century and became the seat of St. Mary Parish. Its growth was closely tied to sugar cane agriculture, the Bayou Teche waterway, and river transportation. Franklin's historic district contains a notable collection of Victorian and Greek Revival buildings, including several large historic homes. The Bayou Teche forms a central part of the city's landscape and reflects the waterways that shaped settlement in the region. Nearby attractions include the Teche Theatre, Shadows-on-the-Teche in nearby New Iberia, and the Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway. U.S. Highway 90 provides a major east-west connection through the area.
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Franklin City Facts
| City | Franklin |
|---|---|
| State | Louisiana |
| County | St. Mary Parish |
| Country | United States |
| Region | South-central Louisiana, Bayou Teche |
| Incorporated | 1820 |
| Founded | 1808 |
| Total Area | 8.35 sq mi (21.63 sq km) |
| Land Area | 7.79 sq mi (20.18 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.56 sq mi (1.45 sq km) |
| Elevation | 15 ft (5 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 6,400 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 6,646 |
| Population Density | 853.4 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 70538 |
| Area Code | 337 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 90, Louisiana Highway 182, Louisiana Highway 87 |
| Public Transit | St. Mary Parish Transit |
| Major Attractions | Historic Downtown Franklin, Bayou Teche, Teche Theatre, Franklin Historic District, Shadows-on-the-Teche |
| Official Website | https://www.franklin-la.com/ |
Distance from Franklin, LA to Nearby Cities
- Centerville, LA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Patterson, LA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Morgan City, LA – 25 miles (40 km)
- New Iberia, LA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Jeanerette, LA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Berwick, LA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Abbeville, LA – 40 miles (64 km)
- St. Martinville, LA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Lafayette, LA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Houma, LA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Thibodaux, LA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Baton Rouge, LA – 80 miles (129 km)
- Lake Charles, LA – 115 miles (185 km)
- New Orleans, LA – 85 miles (137 km)
- Slidell, LA – 110 miles (177 km)
- Alexandria, LA – 125 miles (201 km)
- Shreveport, LA – 220 miles (354 km)
- Biloxi, MS – 150 miles (241 km)
Top Attractions in Franklin
- Franklin Historic District – A collection of historic homes, churches, commercial buildings, and streetscapes reflecting Franklin's 19th-century growth.
- Bayou Teche – The scenic waterway runs through the city and is central to the history, agriculture, and landscape of the region.
- Teche Theatre – A historic downtown theater building that serves as an important local architectural and cultural landmark.
- Historic Downtown Franklin – A traditional downtown area with historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and community landmarks.
- Steamboat Pavilion – A historic riverfront-related landmark connected to Franklin's transportation and commercial past.
- Shadows-on-the-Teche – A historic plantation house in nearby New Iberia overlooking Bayou Teche and surrounded by gardens.
- Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway – A scenic route following Bayou Teche through communities, historic sites, plantations, and Louisiana landscapes.
- Bayou Teche Brewing – A nearby brewery and community gathering place in Arnaudville with connections to the local Cajun culture.
- Rip Van Winkle Gardens – A botanical garden and historic site near New Iberia featuring gardens, wildlife, and views of Lake Peigneur.
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve – A protected Louisiana landscape showcasing wetlands, wildlife, waterways, and Cajun cultural history.
Airports Near Franklin
- Acadiana Regional Airport (ARA) – 50 miles
- H. L. Sonny Callahan Airport (ACD) – 30 miles
- Houma-Terrebonne Airport (HUM) – 60 miles
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) – 85 miles
- Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) – 60 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Franklin website and local government records.
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