Community >> History

The First Franklin county settlers arrived here in 1852. Job Garner built the first cabin, and the first house in Hampton was built on the Hotel Coonley block in 1856. The first courthouse for the county was erected in 1857. Benjamin became the first county seat, but the name was later changed to Hampton. The first post office was also constructed that year.

One of the oldest traditions in the county, our Franklin County Fair, was started in 1859.  It was held at the Courthouse.

In 1864, William Beed bought the grist mill at the site of Beed’s Lake State Park, and the second courthouse was built for a cost of $12,500.  In 1870, Hampton became an official town with a courthouse, newspaper, stores, and churches, with First Congregational United Church of Christ (as we know it today) being the first.

Although dirt roads were still the norm with hitching posts and boardwalks, many new buildings were constructed in the 1880’s and 90’s.  Harriman’s Opera House, Memorial Hall, and a U.S Post Office were constructed, as well as a telegraph office, railroad depot, candy factory, ice cream factory, and pop factory, along with Beed’s Mill.  The GAR Memorial Hall was built in 1890 to commemorate those who gave their lives in the Civil War.  The third courthouse was built for $60,000.

Significant events in the early 1900’s included the building of the Windsor Theatre in 1913, street lights in 1913, sidewalks, paved roads, city park and fountain, public library in 1905, and three schools.  A gas plant as well as an electric plant came to town in 1905.  The first “chamber,” or association, was started in 1904.

The Harriman family gave Walnut Park on the north edge of town to the city in 1910.  The first hospital, Lutheran Hospital, was built in 1915 for $50,000.  Beed’s Lake was drained in 1917 for farmland, but in 1930, during the depression, it was filled and the Civilian Conservation Corps built the 135-foot spillway.  They also constructed the bath house and pathway that divides the lake.

Recreation continued to flourish in Hampton when a dam was built on Spring Creek in 1921, creating a swimming area at Harriman Park.  A new post office was dedicated in 1935 at its present location.  June 15, 1940, saw the first day of fishing at the park.

After World War II, the red flashers were placed at the intersection of state Highways 3 & 65.  Northwestern Bell installed dialers in 1958, the BandShell was built, and the community enjoyed its first swimming pool.