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Franklin County, FL - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, Secretary of State Cord Byrd, and Visit Florida President Bryan Griffin on Wednesday in Apalachicola to unveil a statue of Benjamin Franklin outside the Franklin County Courthouse.
The ceremony highlighted Franklin’s contributions to the founding of the United States and coincided with Constitution Day.
The statue is part of Florida’s “America250” initiative, a statewide effort to honor the Founding Fathers ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The project includes installing statues in counties named after prominent figures from the founding era. Previous installations this year have included a statue of Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County and a George Washington statue at the Florida State Capitol.
Future plans include statues in counties named after Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and James Monroe.
During the event, Governor DeSantis emphasized Franklin’s historical role as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and a diplomat during the American Revolution.
Franklin was the only individual to sign four of the nation’s key founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
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Secretary Byrd noted Franklin’s achievements in negotiating a military alliance with France and the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.
The unveiling also highlighted Florida’s ongoing focus on civic education.
DeSantis has promoted initiatives to strengthen civics instruction across the state, ensuring students understand the principles and history behind the nation’s founding.
The Benjamin Franklin statue now stands permanently at the Franklin County Courthouse, serving as a tribute to his lasting impact on American history and as part of Florida’s broader effort to commemorate the Founding Fathers through the “America250” initiative.