WOMEN'S HISTORY TRAIL • FRANKLIN NC
Women's History Trail • Franklin, NC
The Women’s History Trail, a project sponsored by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC), celebrates the lives of Macon County women, and honors their accomplishments. The Women's History Trail project is the first of its kind in North Carolina.
The Women's History Trail weaves together the disparate elements of our heritage; those of all levels of society; those of pioneer stock and those more recently arrived, telling their stories through various art mediums/exhibits and markers along a designated path through Franklin, North Carolina.
As you travel to each of the Women's History Trail sites, you will be able to experience their history in a deeper, more personal way giving a greater sense of identity to these women and their contributions to Macon County's heritage.
We invite you to go "Walking in Her Steps" along the new Women's History Trail in Franklin, North Carolina.
» View the Women's History Trail Interactive Map
» 2023 Women's History Trail Booklet (2024 Version Coming Soon) PDF Document
"Meet the Women" of the Women's History Trail
The Women's History Trail located in Franklin, NC, is the first trail of its kind in North Carolina. Along the trail, you'll discover the stories of women that have helped shape Macon County's history.
The Macon County, North Carolina, women that are recognized along the Women's History Trail weave together the disparate elements of our heritage: those of all levels of society; those of pioneer stock and those more recently arrived, telling their stories through various art mediums/exhibits and markers along a designated path through Franklin, NC.
As you will discover, these women made their mark on the history and heritage of Franklin and Macon County. From the first woman to serve as Post Commander in the American Legion's history to entrepreneurs, take a walk in their steps as you experience their history in a deeper, more personal way.
Women's History Park
Located at 592 E. Main Street, Franklin, North Carolina
The late Barbara McRae's vision to spotlight the lives of Macon County women by sharing their stories and accomplishments along a designated walking path and through public art mediums has become a reality. In 2016, the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County officially adopted her ideas and worked to establish the Women's History Trail. Additionally, FHAMC began the WHT Sculpture Project's journey in 2018 by commissioning Wesley Wofford to create a historic piece of art to showcase three women and their connection to a piece of land in East Franklin by the river.
Looking for an appropriate site for sculpture, "Sowing the Seeds of the Future, " FHAMC approached the Town of Franklin and they agreed to accept the donation of the sculpture as public art to be placed on town property. FHAMC assisted the town in creating a new pocket park and the town approved FHAMC's recommendation to name the park "Women's History Park."
The park and sculpture were officially opened to the public on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
The "Sowing the Seeds of the Future" sculpture serves as the Trailhead for the Women's History Trail.
Support the Women's History Trail
We encourage you to step forward and become part of our efforts by donating to the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County and the Women's History Trail.
The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County (FHAMC) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture and folkways of our Southern Appalachian Mountains. In this world of instant gratification and communication, unique and important lessons can be learned from the lives of those whose survival depended on ingenuity, hard work, and mutual help and support from their neighbors.
We encourage you to step forward and become part of our efforts, for it is about each of us, both native and newly arrived; those who lived it, and those who wish to understand it.
» Download a Project Donation Form (PDF)
» Download the FHAMC Brochure (PDF)
You can also support us by donation securely through PayPal.