Generations of African Americans have lived and thrived in Williamson County. From the post-Civil War creation of communities like Hard Bargain to the stories of local heroes, including members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, African American residents have played a vital role in shaping the town’s legacy, continuing to influence its future.
McLemore House
In 1854, Judge P.G.S. Perkins developed a subdivision in Franklin known as Perkins' Addition, later renamed "Hard Bargain" by Judge William S. McLemore. In 1880, Harvey McLemore, a formerly enslaved man who had continued working for his former master as a tenant farmer after the Civil War, purchased four lots in the area. He built his Colonial Revival-style home on the land, which was then passed down through his family for seven generations. The home, a significant piece of African American history in Franklin, fell into disrepair but was saved in 1997 through efforts by the Heritage Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. After restoration, it became the McLemore House Museum, now run by the African American Heritage Society, preserving the legacy of those who transitioned from slavery to land ownership and community building in Williamson County.
Hard Bargain
Hard Bargain holds a deep historical significance as a post-Civil War community where formerly enslaved individuals built a fresh start. In 1875, Harvey McLemore, a freed slave, purchased fifteen acres from his former owner, Judge W.S. McLemore. He later subdivided the property and began selling lots to other freed slaves. The neighborhood fostered self-sufficiency, with many residents working as blacksmiths, carpenters, and farmers. Today, Hard Bargain stands as a tribute to their determination and strength in overcoming slavery to achieve economic independence. There are 130 households in Hard Bargain today, with many families whose roots go back several generations.
March to Freedom
The March to Freedom statue in Franklin’s square commemorates the African American soldiers of the United States Colored Troops who fought in the Civil War. Created by sculptor Joe Frank Howard, the statue depicts a soldier standing with his foot on a deteriorated stump, the broken shackles at its base represent the permanent end of bondage. Unveiled in 2021 as part of "The Fuller Story" initiative, which expands the narrative of the Civil War and Reconstruction by recognizing the contributions of African Americans, this powerful statue encourages the community to acknowledge and embrace all facets of its history to build a brighter future.
