The site of Franklin is north of the
Missouri river and about 0.5 miles west of the Boonville Bridge on Missouri
Highway 87. Franklin was the town where William Becknell and his party started
out for Santa Fe in 1821 and followed parts of the Osage Trace. They returned
with substantial profits, signaling the opening of the Santa Fe Trail. Franklin
was damaged by Missouri River floods in 1826-1827. In 1828 New Franklin was
established inland from the river. Old Franklin retained the US Land Office until
1831. The historic site is north
of the present river channel.
|
|
