Franklin is a city in Lee County, Iowa, United States.

Franklin is noted for its stone and brick Federal architecture, uncommon in Iowa.

[4] The town was laid out on March 21, 1840, by James L. Scott and Samuel C. Reed.

[6] In 1841 John Gandy and Jesse H. Catting were elected to be justices of the peace.

Franklin’s growth was aided due to being positioned on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

He was a circuit court judge for 36 years before he was appointed mayor of Franklin.

[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.15 square miles (0.39 km2), all land.

21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the city was 97.79% White, 0.74% Native American, and 1.47% from two or more races.

There were 6.1% of families and 5.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including 13.0% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Franklin is served by Central Lee Community School District.