Franklin Township was founded in 1850. This was one year after Lawrence County was formed from parts of Beaver and Mercer counties. Franklin Township was formed from part of Perry Township and part of Marion Township north of the Connoquenessing Creek.
Fun facts about Franklin Township:
-The Bassenheim Iron Furnace was built in 1814 by Dr. Detmar Basse, founder of Zelienople. The furnace was sold to Daniel Beltzhoover in 1818 and it operated until 1824.
-Early settlers to the area were the Hazen, Severn, Nye and Fisher families.
-Early churches included Camp Run United Presbyterian Church, organized in 1872, and St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lillyville in 1875.
-In 1876, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad built along the Connoquenessing Creek.
–Camp Fombelina, a Girl Scout camp, was located in the township.
-The Zelienople Airport is located in the township.