Published on March 27, 2026
Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States who helped draft and sign the Declaration of Independence, as well as serving as the first United States Postmaster General, is honored with two significant tributes on the campus of Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana.
The first tribute is a striking statue of Franklin, located at the corner of Branigin Boulevard and Monroe Street at the northwest entrance to the campus. Sculpted from marble in 1874 James Mahoney, the statue stands an impressive 12 feet tall. It was originally positioned in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, on the Franklin Insurance Company building. However, when the building was demolished in 1929, the statue was entrusted to the International Typographical Union. In 1963, the union donated the statue to Franklin College. For decades, students enjoyed the tradition of painting and decorating the statue to show their support for sports teams and various causes, although this practice was discontinued in 2014.
Founded in 1834, Franklin College boasts a picturesque and tranquil campus. For visitors looking to enjoy a pleasant stroll, there is a second tribute to Franklin: a bench that depicts him reading the U.S. Constitution. This bench is conveniently located outside the Napolitan Student Center and the B.F. Hamilton Library in Dame Mall, which is named after John Dame, the first graduate of Franklin College. Ample visitor parking is available along Park Avenue behind the library.
Franklin College provides a unique opportunity to experience two tributes to Franklin for the price of one—a delightful twofer for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Related News
- Winners of the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2025 (15 photos)
- Google Sheets as performance art: Liang-Jung Chen on painstakingly documenting the UK citizenship process
- How a Rock Band [+ Others] Gamed an Algorithm to Sell Tickets
- Everything to Know About the "Love Is Blind" Engagement Rings
- Photos of the Week: Raccoon Snack, Tyrannosaurus Race, Speed Skiing (28 photos)
- AI-driven Disinformation, Logistic Deficit, Others Are Threat to 2027, Says Amupitan