Frankewing’s story can be traced through several distinct threads: its former name, Bradshaw Community; the history of the L&N Railroad; and the R. Morris Harwell Bridge over Bradshaw Creek. The area also has ties to school and church history. If you are considering a stay here, these topics can help put the various historical dates and local connections into context.

Bradshaw Community and Railroad History

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 L&N Railroad decided to run its tracks through the small community then known as Bradshaw Community.

These are two closely related but distinct connections in the area’s history. The name recalls Frank Ewing and his efforts; the year 1909 dates the railroad decision. If you want to understand how the place name and infrastructure history intersect, it is worth distinguishing between them: the name refers to a person, while the date marks a specific decision.

Bradshaw Creek and the Harwell Bridge

The R. Morris Harwell Bridge spans Bradshaw Creek on U.S. Highway 64 in Giles County. It lies directly east of the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 64, and west of the Buford Beadle Bridge. The highway, creek, and these two directional references help locate the named bridge.

The former Bradshaw Community is also associated with Bradshaw Creek. It was an agricultural community along the creek and is now a short walk west of Frankewing. The waterway connects the two local references, while their histories raise different questions: the bridge is a specific landmark, while Bradshaw refers to the former community.

School and Church History

Mount Zion-Frankewing Cemetery is in Frankewing near Interstate 65 Exit 14. The Frankewing School stood on its grounds from 1913 to 1953. The cemetery site’s history therefore also includes its earlier use as school grounds. An old pre-Civil War house stands on the south side of Highway 64 near the cemetery; a historical connection to the cemetery is possible, but unconfirmed.

Frankewing United Methodist Church was founded in 1817. This founding year is well before the period when Frankewing School stood on the cemetery grounds. The dates can be read as separate milestones: 1817 marks the church’s founding, 1909 the decision to route the L&N Railroad through the community, and 1913 to 1953 the school’s years of operation. This helps distinguish Frankewing’s church, railroad, and school connections.

Discover more travel destinations: Pulaski.

View the broader travel overview: Giles County.