Frankewing: Local History and Historic Places

Frankewing can be understood through its naming history and historic connections to churches and schools. For visitors, this perspective offers concrete points of connection to the town’s history: its former name, Bradshaw Community; the link between its naming and railroad history; and several datable periods of earlier use. A separate road connection at Bradshaw Creek adds to the picture.

Name and Railroad

Frankewing was originally known as Bradshaw Community. The community was named after Frank Ewing, following his efforts to persuade railroad officials to route the tracks through his town. In 1909, the decision was made to route the L&N Railroad through the small community. The naming and railroad history are therefore closely connected: the name recalls Frank Ewing, and the year of the decision provides a clear date for the railroad connection. The former Bradshaw Community was located at Bradshaw Creek and is now just a short walk west of Frankewing. Bradshaw is therefore part of both the naming history and the geographic context of the former community.

Bridge Connection at Bradshaw Creek

The R. Morris Harwell Bridge crosses Bradshaw Creek on U.S. Highway 64 in Giles County. It is directly east of the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 64, and west of the Buford Beadle Bridge. The intersection and the second bridge provide two directional reference points: one is west of the R. Morris Harwell Bridge, and the other is east of it. The bridge’s location can thus be identified by the waterway, the road intersection, and another named bridge.

Church and School History

Frankewing United Methodist Church was founded in 1817. McBurg Community Center was established in 1958, after the building had been used as a school from 1906 to 1957. These dates offer different perspectives on local history: 1817 is the church’s founding year, 1906 to 1957 marks an earlier period of school use, and 1958 marks the establishment of the community center. Together, these dates span the history from the founding of a church to the creation of a community center, but describe different institutions and uses.

Cemeteries and Historic Buildings

Mount Zion-Frankewing Cemetery is in Frankewing, near Interstate 65 Exit 14. Frankewing School stood on its grounds from 1913 to 1953. This places the school’s history at a named cemetery site; by contrast, at McBurg Community Center, the focus is on the building’s earlier use as a school. The periods overlap, but refer to different historical points of reference.

Mount Zion Cemetery is behind Mount Zion Methodist Church in Frankewing and is still in use. If you would like to visit this cemetery, ask locally about access.

On the south side of Highway 64, near Mount Zion-Frankewing Cemetery, stands an old house dating from before the Civil War. It may have a historical connection to the cemetery. The house adds an older building and a possible connection to the cemetery’s history, which should be treated with caution, to the dated church and school references.

Discover more destinations: Pulaski

For the broader travel overview: Giles County.