Franklin Springs began in the 19th century as a resort spa,[5] with the city incorporating in 1924.

[6] The Franklin Springs Institute opened there in 1919 as a high school, eventually shifting to postsecondary education and changing its name to Emmanuel College in 1939.

On September 16, 2004, a magnitude 2 tornado moved north across the town of Franklin Springs, damaging or destroying numerous structures along its 3-mile path.

[7] The city government building and the fire and police stations incurred significant damage, as did approximately 25 residences.

Carnesville, the Franklin County seat, is 9 miles (14 km) to the northwest via Georgia State Route 145.

None of the families and 3.9% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 8.2% of those over 64.