Franklin, New York is one of the smallest villages in the state. Its current population is only 374 people. In 1870 there was about twice the population with 681 residents. After 1970, there was a slow decline in the population and it lasted in every subsequent census. The rural village is built around the Ouleout Creek which gave the village its water for farming and an outlet to the Susquehanna River. At the time of the Civil War many of the homeowners raised sheep.
In 1873, the Ouleout Valley Cemetery Association was created. A couple of years later it began accepting “residents.” For such a small town, the cemetery is well-kept.
The Soldiers’ Monument was dedicated on May 30, 1889, Memorial Day. The monument is still used today to mark Memorial Day in the village.
The monument is easy to find. It is at the top of the tallest hill in the cemetery next to the large flagpole.
The monument’s inscription says:
In Memory of
Our Soldier Dead.
Dedicated May 30 A.D. 1889
Beneath the soldier is a medal signifying the Grant Army of the Republic (GAR). The GAR was the largest veterans’ organization for Union Civil War soldiers.
The monument is in excellent condition and the work on reproducing the uniform and physical characteristics of the soldier are impressive.
In a circular pattern are about about two dozen headstones surrounding the statue. I thought they might be Civil War veterans, but none of the tombstones were supplied by the army. Some had markings saying they were veterans, however.
Down the slope from the monument is a decorative fountain. Erastus Edgerton donated the fountain in 1884, five years earlier than the Soldiers’ monument was dedicated. The fountain was restored in 2023.
At the top is Venus Rising from the Sea. Below her are Hope and Constance.
Note: All color photos of buildings in this post were taken by Patrick Young except as noted.
