The integration of Franklin County Schools in 1965–1968 was marked by a federal lawsuit and some violence against African-American residents.

The North Carolina Humanities Council funded the Tar River Center for History and Culture at Louisburg College to prepare "An Oral History of School Desegregation in Franklin County, North Carolina.

At the evening convocation of January 29, Mrs. Beth Norris announced to the audience that Wolfe (retired and residing in North, South Carolina) was aware his song was part of the program that night.

Our voices loud in tribute raise, Making truth thy pow'r proclaim.

We love thy rich and fruitful soil, Wood, and stream, and thriving town.

We love the gift of daily toil, Making men of true renown.

Thy church and school shall ever stand To drive the darkness from our land— A true and loyal, valiant band, Sons of Franklin evermore.

A shrine of promise, pow'r and truth, Lasting righteousness and peace, A land of hope for toiling youth, Yielding songs that never cease.

[17] Additional county officials who are elected include Sheriff, Register of Deeds, Board of Education and Clerk of Superior Court.

[19] Bunn, Franklinton, Louisburg and Youngsville have their own municipal police departments, regulated by the respective town governments.

[22] Franklin County, from 1912 until 1964, was a typical Solid South entity, with Democratic presidential candidates nearly always receiving 80 percent or more of the popular vote.

Beginning in 1972, the county swung in the opposite direction, with the Republican candidate earning the majority of the vote in most elections since.