Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7 facts for kids
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Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7
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Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7, March 2014.
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 115 S. 2nd Ave. South, Franklin, Tennessee |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1823 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001859 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
The Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7 is a really old and important building in Franklin, Tennessee. It's located on South 2nd Avenue. Built way back in 1823, it's the oldest public building in Franklin! This building is special because it's where important talks happened that led to the Treaty of Franklin. This was the first treaty about Indian removal after the 1830 Indian Removal Act. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Today, it's still used by the local Masonic group.
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About the Hiram Masonic Lodge
The Hiram Masonic Lodge is in downtown Franklin. You can find it on the east side of 2nd Avenue South. It sits between Main and Church Streets. This building has three stories and is made of brick. It shows off a style called Gothic Revival. This means it has features like pointed arches and designs that look a bit like old castles.
A Look Inside the Building
The front of the building is wide, with five sections. Above the roof, there's a false front that looks like a castle wall. It has pointy tops and a central peak. The windows on the front are tall and narrow. They have a pointed arch shape, like a lancet. These windows are set into larger arched panels. Inside, the first two floors have big rooms for meetings. The smaller third floor has offices and storage areas.
A Place of Important History
The building is home to Hiram Lodge No. 7. This group was started in 1809. The building itself was finished in 1823. It is the oldest public building in Franklin. It's also the oldest Masonic Hall in Tennessee that has been used continuously.
The Treaty of Franklin
In 1830, something very important happened here. Leaders from the Chickasaw Native American group met with a special group. This group was led by President Andrew Jackson. Their talks led to the Treaty of Franklin. This treaty was the first of its kind. It happened after the Indian Removal Act was passed in 1830. The treaty said the Chickasaw people should sell their lands. They were supposed to move west to what is now Oklahoma. However, this specific treaty was never officially approved. The Chickasaw were later forced to sign a different agreement, the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek.
The Civil War Hospital
During the American Civil War, the building served a different purpose. After the big Battle of Franklin, it became a hospital. Wounded Union soldiers were cared for here.
