FRANKLIN COUNTY ROOTS
Tennessee beckoned Rachel back to her parents’ roots.
On Christmas day in 1917 her mother Mildred Caperton was delivered by the country doctor who arrived at the family farm in a horse and buggy. Mildred’s parents later moved to Cowan where Rachel visited frequently as a child. Mildred grew into a beautiful young woman and met Lawrence Thompson at Clara’s on the mountain in Sewanee.
Originally from Charleston, his family came to Sewanee when his father took a job running the University printing press. The job included the generous perk of allowing his two sons to attend the college. “Laurie” and his brother Albin played football there (aka the University of the South) and graduated in 1935. Mildred’s sister Polly Hughes moved back to Cowan from Nashville and in later years Rachel returned to the area to visit “kinfolk” and get out of the summer heat in Florida.
She purchased Firefly Farmhouse in Winchester in 2019 and Franklin House, the historic railroad hotel in 2020. Both have been labors of love. Aunt Polly is now 101 and still going strong. It has been said in local company that “Polly is our Dolly”. Polly’s motto is “Come to Cowan” and she has definitely had her affect on friends and family. Cowan is true small-town America. It’s the real deal and genuine people are drawn to this charming area.
The Franklin House is an Inn at the historic railroad hotel in Cowan, Tennessee.
Nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, we are 7-miles from The University of the South at Sewanee.
The Franklin House is an Inn at the historic railroad hotel in Cowan, Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, we are 7-miles from The University of the South at Sewanee.
Famous attractions, including Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and Lookout Mountain, are less than an hour’s drive from our location.
Our region offers fishing, hiking, sightseeing, special events, and other great opportunities for fun and recreation. Whether you’re planning a visit to Sewanee or looking for a small town getaway, the Franklin House is a great place to stay!