Franklin County

Franklin County is 32 miles from the Raleigh Durham International Airport and 35 miles from North Carolina's Research Triangle Park. Three world class research universities are located within an hour's drive. They are Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. The County seat is home to Louisburg College, which was founded in 1787, making it the oldest junior college in the United States. Vance-Granville Community College offers technical, vocational, college-transfer, and continuing education programs. The local economy is based in agriculture, lumber, and textiles. Local industry includes wood products, enzymes, telecommunications, software development, and plastics recycling.

Louisburg

Louisburg, the county seat and largest town (pop. 3,111), is located in the geographical center of the county and was founded in 1779 when Franklin County was established. Louisburg is governed by a mayor and six-member Town Council with a Town Administrator overseeing general government operations. Current issues being dealt with by the town are: Hwy. US 401 South improvements and four lane expansion, implementing an updated land use plan, annexation, quality water supplies, economic development and orderly overall development plans. The annual budget for the Town of Louisburg is $9 million and the town provides its own electric supply system.

Youngsville

Just a few miles south of US 1, the Town of Youngsville (pop. 1,117) is in the center of exploding industrial and residential growth. Youngsville is governed by a mayor and a five member Board of Commissioners. Youngsville's location on the Wake/Franklin border has attracted new development. Several new subdivisions have been built and there are approximately 80 subdivisions in the surrounding area. People are attracted to Youngsville because of the short commute to the Triangle, but they can still enjoy the small town way of life. Youngsville is an attractive site for industry and features two industrial parks. The town has been recognized by the Governor's Community of Excellence award five consecutive years.