Franklin Turnpike Company Ledger, 1836-1855.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in the Nashville Room of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

Item is very fragile.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: Ledger contains financial accounts, 1836-1855, maintained by R.H. Barry. Barry is believed to have been an officer of the Franklin Turnpike Company, perhaps its treasurer, president, or both. Records from 1836 to 1839 are the most detailed, containing debits and credits to individuals as toll gate keepers and for construction and maintenance of the road. Some entries relate to the hiring of slaves to work on the road. Toll gate receipts are included for most years, though many do not contain much detail. Expenses for the turnpike company are also included for various years, particularly 1836-1840 and 1847, including a great deal of rock-breaking activity in 1838 and 1839.

Cite as: Franklin Turnpike Company Ledger, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library.

No photocopies due to fragile nature of materials.

Copyright deeded to Nashville Public Library at time of acquisition.

Anonymous;,Gift;,2003.,Acc. 2003.066.

The Franklin Turnpike Company was incorporated by the Legislature on December 31, 1829. The road was to be completed within seven years. Four gates were established along the road. Source: History of Nashville, Tenn. pp. 320-21.

Ledger remained in private hands of a descendent of a resident who lived along the turnpike in the early nineteenth century until it was donated to the Nashville Room in 2003.