Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Virginia
Founded in 1786, Franklin County is one of 95 counties in the state of Virginia. Historically, Franklin County was formed from Formed from parts of Bedford and Henry Counties. The city of Rocky Mount is the county seat. With FIPS code of 67, Franklin County has a population of 54,938 and area of 692 square miles (1,792 km²).
List of all cities in Franklin County, VA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Boones Mill, VA | 24065 | 540 |
| Burnt Chimney, VA | 24184 | 540 |
| Callaway, VA | 24067 | 540 |
| Charity, VA | 24088 | 540 |
| Endicott, VA | 24088 | 540 |
| Ferrum, VA | 24088 | 540 |
| Franklin Heights, VA | 24151 | 540 |
| Glade Hill, VA | 24092 | 540 |
| Hardy, VA | 24101 | 540 |
| Henry, VA | 24102 | 540 |
| Penhook, VA | 24137 | 540 |
| Redwood, VA | 24146 | 540 |
| Rocky Mount, VA | 24151 | 540 |
| Union Hall, VA | 24176 | 540 |
| Wirtz, VA | 24184 | 540 |
Rocky Mount
Location and History
Rocky Mount is the county seat of Franklin County, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia. Established in 1786, the town developed at the intersection of two major roads and was named for its rocky terrain and elevated position. Rocky Mount played a pivotal role in the region’s agricultural economy and became a hub for tobacco trade and manufacturing in the 19th century. The town has preserved its historical charm, with numerous buildings dating back to the 19th century, reflecting its rich heritage and significance in the county’s development.
- Area: Approximately 6.93 square miles
- Population: Around 4,900 residents (as of 2020)
- Zip Code: 24151
- Latitude and Longitude: 36.9975° N, 79.8911° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rocky Mount is served by the Franklin County Public Schools system, including Franklin County High School, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, and Rocky Mount Elementary School. Notable landmarks in the town include the Harvester Performance Center, a renowned music venue hosting national and local artists, and the Franklin County Courthouse, a historic building dating back to 1909. The Rocky Mount Center for the Arts offers cultural enrichment through exhibits and classes. Additionally, Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve provides hiking trails and scenic views, contributing to the town’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.
Boones Mill
Location and History
Boones Mill is a small town in Franklin County, located along U.S. Route 220, approximately 10 miles north of Rocky Mount. Incorporated in 1927, the town was named after Jacob Boon, an early settler who established a mill in the area in the early 19th century. Boones Mill developed around agriculture and milling, leveraging the nearby Maggodee Creek for power. The town’s history is tied to the railroad expansion in the region, serving as a stop along the Norfolk and Western Railway. Boones Mill maintains its small-town charm, reflecting the rural heritage of Franklin County.
- Area: Approximately 0.78 square miles
- Population: Around 250 residents (as of 2020)
- Zip Code: 24065
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.1178° N, 79.9531° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in Boones Mill attend schools within the Franklin County Public Schools district, including Boones Mill Elementary School and Franklin County High School. Notable landmarks include the Boones Mill Depot, a historic railroad station that represents the town’s connection to the rail industry. The area is also known for the Boones Mill Apple Festival, an annual event celebrating the town’s agricultural roots. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the surrounding scenic landscapes ideal for hiking, fishing, and nature activities, such as those found at the nearby Philpott Lake.
Ferrum
Location and History
Ferrum is a census-designated place located in the western part of Franklin County. Founded in the late 19th century, the community developed primarily around Ferrum College, established in 1913 by the United Methodist Church. The name “Ferrum” is derived from the Latin word for iron, reflecting the area’s early involvement in iron mining and production. Ferrum has a rich history linked to education and agriculture, with the college playing a central role in the community’s identity and growth.
- Area: Approximately 10.3 square miles
- Population: Around 2,100 residents (as of 2020)
- Zip Code: 24088
- Latitude and Longitude: 36.9246° N, 80.0186° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ferrum is home to Ferrum College, a private liberal arts institution offering undergraduate programs with a focus on experiential learning. The college significantly contributes to the cultural and educational landscape of the community. Landmarks include the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, located on the college campus and designated as Virginia’s Center for Blue Ridge Folklore. The institute hosts the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, celebrating regional traditions, music, and crafts. Nearby Philpott Lake and Fairy Stone State Park offer recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and hiking.
Union Hall
Location and History
Union Hall is a census-designated place situated in southeastern Franklin County along the shores of Smith Mountain Lake. The community transformed from a rural area into a residential and recreational destination following the creation of Smith Mountain Lake in the 1960s. Union Hall offers picturesque waterfront properties and has become a popular location for boating, fishing, and vacationing. The area reflects a blend of traditional rural living and modern amenities, contributing to its growth and appeal.
- Area: Approximately 31.4 square miles
- Population: Around 1,150 residents (as of 2020)
- Zip Code: 24176
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.0143° N, 79.7098° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Residents of Union Hall attend schools in the Franklin County Public Schools district, such as Glade Hill Elementary School, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, and Franklin County High School. Notable landmarks include Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia’s second-largest freshwater lake, providing extensive recreational activities like boating, fishing, and water sports. The Smith Mountain Lake Community Park offers picnic areas, trails, and a fishing pier. The Water’s Edge Country Club is a premier golfing destination in the area. The community’s natural beauty and access to the lake make Union Hall a desirable location for both residents and visitors.
Callaway
Location and History
Callaway is an unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Franklin County. The area is predominantly rural, characterized by rolling hills, farmland, and scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Established in the 19th century, Callaway has a history rooted in agriculture, particularly tobacco farming and milling. The community embodies the traditional rural lifestyle of southwestern Virginia, maintaining a close-knit atmosphere and preserving its natural surroundings.
- Area: Not officially designated
- Population: Included within Franklin County’s total population
- Zip Code: 24067
- Latitude and Longitude: 37.0129° N, 80.0367° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in Callaway attend schools within the Franklin County Public Schools system, including Callaway Elementary School and Franklin County High School. Notable landmarks include the Callaway School, a historic building that now serves as a community center. The area is part of The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, highlighting Callaway’s connection to traditional Appalachian music. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound with access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and local hiking trails, appealing to nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful environment.
